As the Seawolves headed to the locker room after Saturday's 3-1 hockey loss to Bemidji State, complete dejection could've set in.
It didn't happen, thanks to about a dozen hockey-loving children who helped put the afternoon's effort at Sullivan Arena into proper perspective.
Sophomore Zac Masson scored his first career goal on the power play in the game's final minute and sophomore Kris Carlson recorded 23 saves in UAA's second straight loss to the Beavers, who won 2-0 on Friday. It was the fourth consecutive Western Collegiate Hockey Association loss for the Seawolves (1-5-0 overall, 0-4-0 WCHA).
After exchanging handshakes with Bemidji and offering the 1,461 fans in attendance a stick salute on the ice, UAA players and the coaching staff exited the rink.
That's when they learned, win or lose, the kids were all right.
A mix of mites and squirts, most wearing their team sweaters, lined the Seawolves' path just off the ice surface. The children offered "knucks" and high-fives and thanked the team with the popular pucks refrain of "good game."
The positivity didn't go unnoticed.
"You can't help but always be a fan of that stuff," Masson said. "I want to make sure to give all of those kids a high-five as we walk by, because I can remember a time when I was the one in that line, and it always made me feel so good."
First-year UAA coach Matt Curley said he cherished the postgame moment with the little ones.
"I absolutely loved it," Curley said. "Seeing something like that, I think is important for the community because those kids are the future of this program.
"Kids watched these games this weekend who will one day wear our jersey, that's a fact. Our guys like it. I'm a grown man and I like it. I fully encourage boys and girls who come and watch us play to continue joining us like they did tonight."
Bemidji (4-1-1 overall, 3-1-0 WCHA) racked up 11 of the game's first 12 shots on goal. But the Beavers finished with a slim 26-25 advantage in shots, giving the Seawolves one more moment of statistical encouragement.
Through its first three series of the season, UAA has trended better in each weekend's back-end.
The Seawolves rebounded from their 10-2 season opening loss to Colorado College on Oct. 6 to win 4-3 the next evening.
After surrendering three power-play goals to Ferris State in a 4-0 road loss Oct. 26, UAA fought back the next night and lost by a goal (3-2).
Saturday, UAA peppered Bemidji goalie Zach Driscoll more consistently throughout the second half of the contest.
"You kind of learn from (the first game) and make the necessary corrections for the second," Curley said. "The whole thing is a process. It's been nice to see us build on some of the things we haven't done particularly well, like tonight, getting a power-play goal, albeit late in the game.
"The little victories. It's my responsibility and the staff's responsibility to stay with this for all these guys. We have competitors who want to do well, and they're trying. We're doing things the right way and we're going to keep believing and working through it."
Bemidji's Charlie Combs and Brendan Harris scored in the second period. Alex Ierullo made it 3-0 in the third.
The Seawolves were a minute away from a second straight shutout when Masson broke through with 57 seconds remaining and UAA skating with a 5-on-3 advantage. Defenseman Carmine Buono tossed a puck on net from the right point, and amid a mass of humanity in front of the net, Masson managed to slide a rebound through Driscoll's legs.
"It felt real good for us to finally pop one in," Masson said. "We didn't get the doughnut both nights."
UAA is back at Sullivan Arena next weekend when it faces Bowlinhg Green.
"Another opportunity," Masson said.