The last time the Wisconsin Badger hockey team lost a game, it was Thanksgiving. Needless to say, they have been on a roll since then. They are undefeated in their last seven games, and on a three game win streak.
Friday’s 5-3 win over the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves allowed the team to start 2013 off on a strong win.
The Badgers (5-7-5, 3-5-5 WCHA) scored early in the first period through senior defenseman John Ramage, lighting the lamp at the 2:56 mark. Sophmore forward Joseph LaBate was next to get on the Badger scoresheet, making the game 2-0 at the 8:17 mark.
Matt Bailey brought the game within reach for the Seawolves (3-10-4, 1-9-3 WCHA), making the game 2-1 with a goal at the 8:10 mark. Alaska-Anchorage continued the pressure, forcing another nine saves from Badger goalkeeper Landon Peterson for the remainder of the second period.
In the third period, Wisconsin scored two goals within 70 seconds to make the game 4-1. Junior forward Michael Mersch scored at the 6:29 mark to increase the lead to 3-1. Tyler Barnes, another junior forward, furthered the lead with a goal at the 7:34 mark in the third period.
The Seawolves mounted a comeback midway through the third period, scoring at the 11:04 and 12:19 mark. Blake Tatchell scored first, making the game 4-2, and Jordan Kwas scored second, making the game 4-3.
Badger junior forward Mark Zengerie put the proverbial “nail in the coffin” at the 19:29 mark, scoring on an empty net and making the game 5-3.
Wisconsin goalkeeper Landon Peterson recorded 26 saves in the win, and Alaska-Anchorage goalkeeper Chris Kamal recorded 22 saves.
The Badgers look to make it four wins in a row as they take on the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves in the finale of their two game series Saturday night.
