Spartans nip Nanooks 2-1 in overtime
March 12, 2013
Jamie Foland
907-474-6807
Michigan State forward Matt DeBlouw scored at 3:02 of the extra session to deal the Alaska Nanooks a 2-1 loss in their Central Collegiate Hockey Association first round playoff series opener on Friday night at the Carlson Center.
The teams traded goals in the first period with MSU opening the scoring just 27 seconds and the Nanooks answering with an extra-attacker score on a delayed penalty at 15:44.
Neither team would score again for more than 45 minutes of play as the Nanooks outshot the Spartans 33-13 through the first 60 minutes and the teams were even at 2-2 in overtime.
Alaska junior Cody Kunyk (Sherwood Park, AB/Business Administration) scored the Nanooks lone goal while freshman goalie John Keeney (Twin Peaks, Calif./Business Administration) turned aside 13 MSU shots in the loss.
Spartan netminder Will Yanakeff made 34 saves in the win that gave his team a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series.
Giving the visitors the early lead was left wing Tanner Sorenson, who ripped the puck past Keeney from the left circle and beat him gloveside at 00:27 of the opening frame.
For the game the Nanooks were held scoreless in five power-play chances, although Kunyk's goal was scored on a delayed penalty to Sorensen for hooking.
The teams rematch on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. AKST. Alaska must win the encounter to force a deciding third game to be played on Sunday at 7:05 p.m. at the Carlson Center.