The Seawolves celebrate their first of seven goals. Photo by Justin Cox.
The crowd was alive at the Avis Alaska Sports Complex as the Seawolves crushed the Vancouver Island Mariners in their first game of the season.
The most impressive part of UAA’s performance on Sept. 29 doesn’t show up on a stat sheet though: team chemistry.
Because hockey was reinstated last season, the team was full of extremely talented – but also new – players. Since hockey is such a team-orientated sport, it’s difficult to play at a competitive level with such a young team.
However, the Seawolves are no longer a totally new team – and you can tell. Between their impressive scoring, winning 7-2 and supportive team play, the 2023-24 UAA hockey season is certainly going to be fun to watch based on this game.
The Seawolves set the pace right from the first face-off. Just over four minutes into the game, Matt Kinash snuck the puck past the goalie to get the Seawolves on the scoreboard.
Only a few seconds later, Matt Allen scored, increasing the Seawolves’ lead to 2-0.
The Seawolves were on a roll, and Brett Bamber added his name to the scoresheet with a goal — again within seconds.
After each goal, the team celebrated by banging on the glass to get the crowd pumped and slapping each other on the back for congratulations.
The crowd responded with the same intensity as the players by screaming, clapping and ringing cowbells.
Though the Mariners responded with a goal of their own after Bamber’s, the Seawolves didn’t let this phase them. Instead, Kinash connected with the net for the second time, making the score 4-1.
With one minute left in the first period, the Mariners scored their second goal. But they weren’t able to find the net again for the rest of the night.
William Gilson added insult to Mariner injury with just over six minutes left in the second period, increasing UAA’s lead to 5-2.
Several fights were instigated by the Mariners following UAA's fifth goal. The Seawolves didn't seem to mind, though. Instead, they continued to shred the ice.
Only 75 seconds into the final period, Allen scored his second goal of the night.
And Mitch Lafay concluded the scoring for the game with just under 14 minutes left until the final buzzer.
In a press release by GoSeawolves.com, head coach Matt Shasby said, “As a group it was a good opportunity for our freshmen to get some game reps and for some guys to try and build some chemistry.”
“We see we have some things to focus on this week in practice to be ready for next Saturday. We really appreciate Vancouver Island for making the trip."
The Mariners were clearly frustrated by the Seawolves’ dominance, racking up 15 penalty minutes.
In the end, fighting our team didn’t help them score.
Head to GoSeawolves.com to check out the hockey team’s schedule this year. You don’t want to miss out on another game!
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