In a thrilling men’s ice hockey matchup Friday night, Alaska Nanooks forward Braden Birnie scored with just three seconds left to lift the Nanooks to a 4-3 victory over the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.
Alaska Anchorage took an early lead with a first-period power-play goal by Aiden Westin, but the Nanooks answered in the second period. Michael Citara tied the game before Chase Dafoe put Alaska ahead.
The third period saw both teams exchange goals, with Alaska Anchorage tying the game twice and Alexander Malinowski briefly giving the Nanooks the lead before another Seawolves response. With the contest seemingly headed to overtime, Birnie seized a rebound and fired the game-winner in the final seconds.
The win improves Alaska’s record to 11-15-2 and keeps the Nanooks positioned to claim the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup with one more regulation victory this weekend. The teams are scheduled to meet again Saturday evening.
Also Read: Nanooks Dominate Alaska Hockey Rivalry with 8-2 Score
Birnie, a senior forward from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, delivered his fifth goal of the season and the decisive score in one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.
