Sophomore defenseman Isac Jonsson scored a goal for the River Hawks
UMass Lowell Edged by Alaska Anchorage, 3-2

Box Score - Highlights

LOWELL, Mass. - Despite a third period goal from senior Carl Berglund (Hammaro, Sweden), the No. 13/13 UMass Lowell River Hawks (10-8-1, 5-4-1 Hockey East) dropped a 3-2 decision to the University of Alaska Anchorage (4-12) Saturday night at the Tsongas Center.  

Sophomore defenseman Isac Jonsson (Ängelholm, Sweden) joined Berglund on the scoresheet with an unassisted tally in the opening frame. Jonsson also finished with a team-high four shots on goal. Senior Brian Chambers (Weymouth, Mass.) and sophomore Matt Crasa (South Setauket, N.Y.) ended the night with an assist each on Berglund's goal. Sophomore Brehdan Engum (Burnsville, Minn.) led the team's defensive efforts with four blocks on the night to match his career high.  

Graduate transfer Gustavs Davis Grigals (Riga, Latvia) got the call between the pipes and registered 17 saves. With the loss, he moves to a 5-4-1 mark on the season.  

The River Hawks' faceoff unit was a bright spot in the loss, however, with impressive numbers at the dot. Led by a near-perfect night by freshman Jack Collins (Canton, N.Y.), the River Hawks won 46 of their 65 attempts for a 70.8 success rate.  

"I didn't think that we were at our best this weekend. That goes without saying. We had a long layoff, and obviously, we didn't do what we needed to do: be conditioned," said Head Coach Norm Bazin. "It wasn't the result we were looking for today. I thought we dominated the faceoff circle. There we did great. That was one of the only positives."  

Similarly to Friday night's opener, both teams spent the opening minutes on the chase for possession. A more balanced effort on both ends of the ice kept the Seawolves and the River Hawks off target through the first 2:44.  

UMass Lowell drew first blood on their first shot on goal of the night from Jonsson. The Seawolves looked to settle their offense and start their drive up ice after winning the puck battle along the boards. Intending to fling the puck back up ice into the neutral zone, Alaska Anchorage clipped the corner of the goal and stymied its trajectory. Jonsson, alone in the zone, quickly picked up the misdirected shot and smacked in an unassisted tally to get the offense rolling.  

The Seawolves retaliated just 30 seconds later off an unlikely tip. Cutting off the River Hawks in their defensive end, Alaska Anchorage's Brett Bamber rifled off a centering pass to Matt Allen off the faceoff circle. Allen, intending to keep possession in their favor, tipped the puck past an unsuspecting Grigals to level the score at 1-1 heading into the first break.  

Though the River Hawks held the advantage on both shots on goal and faceoffs, the Seawolves flipped the script to edge out UMass Lowell, 11-6, in chances on target. Alaska Anchorage's high-energy strategy ultimately lent them a 3-1 lead after the second block with the help of Brandon Lajoie and Caleb Hite.  

The two-goal deficit held as the River Hawks fought their way into the zone to start the third period. Just over six minutes in, Berglund breathed life into the offense with a backhanded shot right on the doorstep. Building from the defensive zone, Crasa flicked the puck into the neutral zone as Berglund and Chambers glided up the ice. Berglund made a quick move to give Chambers the puck as they went for the switch. Chambers shook his defender and dropped a pass back to Berglund, who made a quick cut across the slot before slicing the lead down to one with a quick snap through the five-hole.  

UMass Lowell picked up the pace as the period winded down, pulling Grigals in the final minutes in favor of the extra skater. The late efforts came up short, however, with the Seawolves holding off the River Hawks and finalizing the 3-2 loss.  

The River Hawks head west to Springfield, Mass., next Saturday, January 7, to play American International at 1 p.m.