View From Alaska Anchorage
By Paul Rovnak on October 27, 2011
Minnesota heads to Alaska this week for a WCHA first-round playoff rematch from last year against Alaska Anchorage. The Seawolves ended the Gophers season a year ago, winning two games at Mariucci Arena to advance to the WCHA Final Five. Alaska Anchorage is off to a 3-2-1 start this season and we talked with radio voice of the Seawolves Kurt Haider to learn more about this week's opponent.
GopherSports: Kurt, the Seawolves advanced to the WCHA Final Five last year after beating Minnesota. How is Alaska Anchorage looking this year?
Kurt Haider: The Seawolves, buoyed by last season's late success, have started the new season with a determination not to waste the momentum.* A tie with Clarkson followed by victories over St. Cloud State, Nebraska-Omaha and Mercyhurst have kick-started the season, with a realization that the heavy lifting is yet to come with the WCHA regular season.
Coming in to 2011-12, UAA knew that goaltending was going to be a position without too much worry.* Sophomores Rob Gunderson and Chris Kamal showed last season that they could handle the mental and physical rigors of the WCHA, so this season is a test to see if they can improve on their performances.
On defense, veterans Brad Gorham and Scott Warner anchor the effort.* Freshmen Derek Docken and Austin Coldwell have played full-time this season, and have played well.
Offensively, a question asked was how the Seawolves were going to replace Tommy Grant's goal scoring.* Early indications show multiple players will be counted on to contribute...the old "scoring by committee" approach.
GS: Who is one player that Gopher fans should pay attention to this weekend?
KH: If you have to pick one player to watch, that player might be Daniel Naslund.* Last season, Naslund improved gradually over the course of the season, so it was relatively quiet.* This season, he's thrown some unbelievable passes and has shown a quiet confidence when he's in the heat of battle around the goal.* His size and vision have made him a player to plan for.
Others to keep an eye on could include Matt Bailey, Jordan Kwas and Mickey Spencer.
GS: The Seawolves had success against Minnesota last year. What do they have to do this weekend to continue that success?
KH: This match-up is intriguing because of what happened in last season's playoffs.* With UAA's unexpected two-game sweep at the Mariucci, I'd guess that the Gophers can hardly wait to get to the Sullivan to prove it was a fluke.* It wasn't, and that means UAA followers expect it can happen again.* The immediate stakes aren't nearly as high now, but rest assured both teams realize that these WCHA points in October will be huge when next March comes around.* The Seawolves can win if they play consistent, intelligent hockey.* They were able to neutralize St. Cloud's and Nebraska-Omaha's speed through the neutral zone, and countered effectively after turnovers.* Continued steady play from Gunderson and Kamal is a must. *