WHERE: Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Ala.
WHEN: Friday, 7:07 p.m.; Saturday, 7:07 p.m.
WATCH: FloHockey.tv (subscription)
TICKETS
The last two weeks, the Chargers have played better and better against two of the better teams in the WCHA. That first victory, however, has continued to elude them.
The Chargers (0-8-0 overall, 0-4-0 WCHA) feel they can finally end their losing streak this weekend when they return to Propst Arena to take on the Seawolves of Alaska Anchorage.
Last weekend, the Chargers lost 5-3 and 4-2 to Northern Michigan in Marquette, both being one-goal games until NMU scored an empty-net goal in the final minute.
It was the best offensive effort for UAH this season. The five goals matched their total from the first six games, and the Chargers outshot NMU 59-56 for the series.
“Our group has continued to get better,” UAH head coach Mike Corbett said told media on Tuesday. “Now we just have to learn how to win those games. We have to learn how to not make that big mistake at the crucial time.
“These kids can handle adversity. And they’re not listening to the outside noise. They’re seeing that they’re improving every day.
Freshman Josh Latta had an assist in each game, giving him five on the year. Still searching for his first goal, he currently leads UAH in scoring with those five points.
Jack Jeffers, Christian Rajic, and Tyr Thompson each scored their second goals of the season in the series.
Alaska Anchorage (1-4-1 overall, 1-1-0 WCHA) has had its own struggles in recent years. The Seawolves won only three games overall and two games in WCHA play last season.
So, this weekend is as good a chance as any for the Chargers to end their skid, especially at home.
“We have to try to do as much as we can against the bottom group teams,” Corbett said.
“It’s always good to be home. For us, to be able to get off the bus after a long trip and then skate and play at the VBC, it’s great.”
The Chargers want fans to come to Propst Arena after the big football game in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
“Alabama plays (LSU) at 2, and we play at 7, so everybody’s got to come out for the 7:00 game,” Corbett said. “We’re hoping to be able to get a good crowd on Friday and a good crowd on Saturday to help our guys.”
Anchorage does have a win over their arch-rival Alaska. Last week, the Seawolves lost 4-3 and tied 3-3 with Omaha at home.
Freshman Nick Wicks has eight points on two goals and six assists in six games so far. Nine of Anchorage’s 13 goals this season have come from freshmen, including three from Alex Frye.
Promotions: Kids 12 and under can get free admission to both games at the Von Braun Center box office, courtesy of Huntsville International Airport.
This week in the WCHA: All times Central. All WCHA conference games (*) can be seen on FloHockey.tv (online subscription).
Friday, November 8
* Alaska Anchorage at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* #3 Minnesota State at Michigan Tech, 6:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Bemidji State, 7:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Western Michigan, 6 p.m.
St. Cloud State at #16 Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m.
Arizona State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.
Saturday, November 9
* Alaska Anchorage at UAH, 7:07 p.m.
* #3 Minnesota State at Michigan Tech, 5:07 p.m.
* Lake Superior State at Bemidji State, 6:07 p.m.
St. Cloud State at #16 Northern Michigan, 5:07 p.m.
Western Michigan at Ferris State, 6 p.m.
Arizona State at Alaska, 10:07 p.m.