Wisconsin hands UAA weekend hockey split

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The UAA hockey team’s 2-1 win Friday over 15th-ranked Wisconsin gave the Seawolves a chance to jump up in the WCHA rankings and earn a weekend sweep in Saturday’s rematch at Sullivan Arena.

The game was scoreless until the second period, when a one-timer shot from the Badgers’ Justin Shultz scored first blood for Wisconsin. An extra attacker for Wisconsin helped to repeat the trick as Craig Smith sank another one-timer, sending the Badgers into the third period with a 2-0 lead.

UAA coach Dave Shyiak responded with a roll of the dice, pulling the Seawolves’ goalie with more than seven minutes to play. The initial payoff of a goal by Tommy Grant, however, was undone by penalties and Wisconsin picking up an empty-netter in the final second. The Badgers won the day 3-1 as the Seawolves earned a weekend split.

Contact Charlie Sokaitis at csokaitis@ktuu.com