Madison, Wisconsin

Kohl Center – exterior

The Alaska Nanooks were flying down to Madison to play the Wisconsin Badgers, so The Curator & I ventured northeast to take in a weekend of hockey.

The Kohl Center, one of the top rinks in college hockey, opened in 1998. The Kohl is also one of the largest arenas in D-1, seating over 15,300 for hockey. Badger fans are some of the most active in the college ranks, and the atmosphere at any Badger sporting event is high octane. The UW Band rarely stops to take a breath.

UA Nanooks vs UW Badgers

Friday was the night for the Nanooks to get an upset. During period one, Alaska could have easily scored 3 goals, but instead they trailed Wisconsin 1-0 on a goal by Corbin McGuire. Missed opportunities would haunt Alaska, and Wisconsin would pounce the ones that came their way.

In the second period, Tyler Morley struck first with a short-handed goal, but Ryan Wagner responded immediately with a PPG to keep the Badger lead at one. Wisconsin would score two more in the period and Alaska one for a 4-2 Badger lead. Tyler Morley would score his second on the night, but that was all the Nooks could muster and Wisconsin held on for a 4-3 win.

Saturday night from the second deck

On Saturday we were joined by another member of the Frozen Foursome. The first two periods showcased some really even-played hockey between the two teams, and the score was 1-1 after two. In the third period, the Badgers had Alaska on their heels, and the damage came quickly. The Badgers would score four in the first 11:43, with the Nanooks managing to get one past Matt Jurusik in the period. A 5-2 Badger win.

Saturday attendance: 9604