The Anchorage Wolverines helped themselves Friday and got an extra boost in their quest for a playoff berth in their inaugural season in the North American Hockey League.
The Wolverines defeated Midwest Division rivals Fairbanks Ice Dogs 2-0 as Raythan Robbins made 27 saves to earn the shutout at the Big Dipper Ice Arena in Fairbanks. To top it off, the Wolverines got a helping hand when the Minnesota Wilderness defeated Janesville 6-2.
Those two Midwest Division results bolstered the Wolverines’ playoff hopes. Anchorage currently sits in fourth place in the division with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. Anchorage entered Saturday’s play with 68 points, three ahead of Janesville (65).
The Wolverines struck for both of their goals in the second period.
Jackson Krock opened the scoring at 8:31 of the period with assists from Clay Allen and Cooper Morris. Hunter Schmitz scored with just four minutes remaining in the second to give Anchorage a 2-0 advantage. Hayden Hennen and Andy Ramsey notched assists.
Kayden Hargraves made 33 saves for the Ice Dogs, who lead the division with 75 points.
The two teams play against tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Big Dipper.