FAIRBANKS, Alaska | The University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey team was edged 3-2 in the WCHA series opener at Alaska Fairbanks on Friday night at the Carlson Center. UAH dips to 6-15-2 (5-10-2 WCHA), while UAF rises to 8-11-2 (6-8-1 WCHA).
 
Turning Point
- With the score knotted at 2-2 with one minute to go in the third period, Alaska Fairbanks took a pivotal 3-2 lead on a tally by Zach Frye with 55 seconds remaining in regulation as UAF went on to notch the series-opening victory.
 
Scoring Breakdown
- The Nanooks were first on the board in the contest as Ross Heidt gave the hosts a 1-0 advantage at 6:17 of the first.
- Later in the first frame, junior defenseman Kurt Gosselin evened the score on a power play at 1-1 as he one-timed a Brandon Salerno pass for his fourth goal of the season. Both Salerno and Brennan Saulnier recorded their fifth assists of the season on the play.
- Alaska Fairbanks pulled back ahead in the second period at 5:35 when Kyle Marino scored on a breakaway tally to make it a 2-1 UAF lead.
- The Chargers would again get a late goal in the second stanza as sophomore Austin Beaulieu scored for the first time this season on a wrist shot from the right face-off circle. Salerno and Brandon Parker were credited with the assists on Beaulieu's marker.
- After a total of nine saves by UAH goalie Mark Sinclair to start the third and keep it tied 2-2, Alaska Fairbanks broke through with Frye's tally at 19:05 to bring the game to its 3-2 final.
 
Inside the Box Score
- The Chargers outshot the Nanooks 26-24 in the contest, with Connor Merkley and Gosselin leading the way for UAH with four shots on goal each.
- Six Chargers had two shots on goal or more.
- UAH held Alaska Fairbanks to zero goals in four power play chances, while the Chargers went 1-for-5 in their man-advantage opportunities.
- Sinclair's record in goal dipped to 0-5-0 this season, despite totaling 21 saves in the contest.
- UAH went 20-for-54 in the face-offs.
 
Noteworthy
- Salerno had two assists in a game for the first time in his career, which was his second two-point performance in 2017-18 as he previously potted two goals against Ferris State (Nov. 25).
- UAH has held opponents to zero power-play goals five times this season.
 
Next Time Out
- UAH and Alaska Fairbanks wrap up the two-game series on Saturday at 10:07 p.m. CT at the Carlson Center.