Friday, October 9, 2009
George M. Sullivan Sports Arena, Anchorage, Alaska

The Michigan Wolverines opened their season tonight, playing the first game of Kendall Auto Classic against CCHA foe Alaska. The Wolverines did not fare well against the defensive minded Nanooks, losing the first game of the season by a two to nothing score. Michigan will play the late game in the Classic tomorrow night, taking on Alaska-Anchorage from the WCHA.

Both teams saw some power play opportunities with neither team able to take advantage of the man advantage. When the horn blew ending the period the score was still even at zero. The Wolverines had a decided edge in shots on goal, with twelve shots registered to the Nanooks three.

With just over ten minutes to play in the second period the Nanooks would end the scoreless tie when the got a shot past Hogan for the score. The scoring play started with a shot down the slot that deflected, flying over the net and hitting the glass. A Nanook player got to the puck, skated over the goal line before sending a pass back into the slot to another Nanook player stationed between the circles. A quick shot from there beat Hogan through the five hole for the score.

The second period ended with the Nanooks holding a one to nothing lead. Alaska out shot the Wolverines in the second period six to three, leaving Michigan with a fifteen to nine advantage in shots on goal through forty minutes of play.

With just over sixteen minutes to play in the final period a Michigan shot was blocked by the Nanook goalie, leaving the puck to drift slowly away from the net. An Alaska skater gained control of the puck, skating out of the Alaska zone, heading straight for the Michigan end of the ice. Just as he crossed the Michigan blue line he let fly a blazing slap shot that beat Hogan to push the Nanook lead to two.

The Wolverines tried to increase the intensity down the stretch, but could never get things rolling. The Alaska goalie was sharp in goal, turning away the few chances at scoring that Michigan did get. Michigan got their goalie pulled with just over thirty seconds left (couldn't pull him out earlier because of a penalty late in the period). The extra attacker did no good and the game came to an end with the Nanooks registering their first ever shut out over the Wolverines by a score of two to nothing. Michigan out shot Alaska eight to four in the period, ending the game with a twenty-three to thirteen advantage in shots on goal.

Not a great start to the season for the Wolverines, but some looking around at other scores shows that a lot of teams struggled in the opening weekend of play. Michigan really needs to step it up tomorrow night to get a win under their belts. They have now lost their last two NCAA games, going back to last years two to nothing shut out at the hands of Air Force. Right now a win, any win, is just what the Wolverines need.