Perfect penalty kill propels Anchorage Wolverines past Wilderness in home-opening win
Oct. 10—After spending the last three weeks on the road in the Lower 48 to begin the 2026-27 season, the Anchorage Wolverines were finally able to play in front of their home fans Friday night at Sullivan Arena. It wasn't their first time competing on home ice this year, after they hosted the U.S. National Team Development Program U17 team in early September for a two-game exhibition series. ...
The Anchorage Wolverines secured a 3-1 victory over the reigning Midwest Division champion Minnesota Wilderness in their official home opener at Sullivan Arena on Friday night. Head coach Mike Aikens praised the team's performance, noting their strong control of the game and the crucial role of their penalty kill. The Wolverines' defense was exceptional, particularly during a four-minute stretch in the third period when they blocked multiple shots by Wilderness players.
Goalie Maverick Avent was outstanding, making 30 saves on 31 shots. The team's success was boosted by playing in front of their home fans, who provided a significant energy boost. Despite facing a 2-0 deficit, the Wolverines managed to secure the win with an empty-netter goal from forward Caleb Mahar in the closing seconds of the game.
The win puts the Wolverines in second place in the division standings, trailing only their in-state rival, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. The teams will continue their series with a home game in Anchorage and another in Minnesota.
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