FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Tyler Morley scored twice, giving Alaska’s seniors a memorable sendoff in their final home game as the Nanooks beat No. 1 Minnesota State 3-1 on Saturday.
Morley’s short-handed goal tied the game early in the third period, and the junior scored into an empty net in the final two minutes for Alaska (15-13-2, 10-12-2 WCHA).
Garrick Perry broke a 1-1 tie with 2:08 remaining in the third period.
“I’m just so proud of this group, getting a win tonight,” Alaska senior defenseman Justin Tateson said in an emotional postgame news conference. “It just seems like nothing fazes this class.”
The Nanooks are ineligible for postseason play because of NCAA sanctions, and they play their final four games on the road.
Zach Palmquist broke a scoreless tie with a power-play goal late in the second period for Minnesota State (23-6-2, 19-3-2), which has a one-point lead over second-place Michigan Tech in the WCHA standings. The Mavericks and the Huskies play Feb. 27-28 in Mankato, Minn.
Sean Cahill made 24 saves for Alaska, while Stephon Williams stopped 29 shots for Minnesota State.
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