The Anchorage Wolverines lost their North American Hockey League franchise debut Wednesday in Blaine, Minnesota.
The El Paso Rhinos beat the Wolverines 4-3 on the opening day of the NAHL Showcase tournament despite a hat trick by Talon Sigurdson.
Sigurdson, who is from Sartell, Minnesota, scored twice in the third period to make the game close. His other goal came in the second period.
El Paso scored twice in the first period and twice in the second period to lead 4-1 going into the final 20 minutes.
Sigurdson’s first goal was unassisted; Austin Westin helped set up the second goal and Cameron Morris assisted on the third.
El Paso outshot Anchorage 29-19. Shane Soderwall made 25 saves for the Wolverines, who play again Thursday at 5 p.m. ADT against the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks.