Saturday night for the University of Alabama in Huntsville Chargers was much different from Friday night. While the scoring started out in similar fashion, it was the end result that showed what the Chargers can do when they play more consistent hockey in their 3-1 victory over Alaska. As stated in the series preview, while the two teams haven’t had a consistent series, this is the first victory for the Chargers over the Nanooks in 24 years. The last victory was on January 10, 1992, followed by a 22-year gap in the series.
Cody Marooney started the scoring early when he slapped one past goaltender Davis Jones on the breakaway just 3:09 into the first period. UAH would never look back following that goal. Just under four minutes later, Josh Kestner would notch his first of two goals of the evening while on the power play. Kestner tipped in a point shot from defenseman Kurt Gosselin to give the Chargers the 2-0 lead that they would carry on into the third period.
Solid, smart and consistent play was the story of the evening for UAH. They took only three penalties and killed off each one. They cycled the puck well and wore down the Nanooks throughout the game. Goaltender Matt Larose stood tall making excellent saves. Most of all, they didn’t allow odd-man rushes like it has been seen in the past.
HKY HIGHLIGHTS: Huntsville native Kestner scores his second to extend the Charger lead! #UnitedWeCharge pic.twitter.com/VtDlzU620n
— UAH Chargers (@UAHChargers) January 10, 2016
Kestner would add another goal at 5:26 of the third to give UAH a 3-0, but Colton Sparrow fired one past Larose to ruin the shutout bid.
The victory will give UAH something to build on as they head to Ferris State, the number four team in the conference.
Post game video from Josh Kestner, Chad Brears and head coach Mike Corbett:
Photo courtesy of UAH Hockey
