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FAIRBANKS, Alaska (HH) — Minnesota Duluth rode a strong start and a late insurance goal to secure a 4-1 nonconference college men's hockey victory over Alaska on Saturday, completing a two-game road sweep to open the season.
The Bulldogs (2-0) struck 18 seconds into the first period when sophomore forward Jayson Shaugabay buried a setup from Max Plante. Freshman Harper Bentz doubled the lead less than eight minutes later, and Scout Truman made it 3-0 with a buzzer-beating goal at 19:52.
Neither team scored in the second period, though the game tightened as both squads traded power-play opportunities. The Bulldogs finished 0-for-7 with the man advantage, while Alaska (0-2) was 0-for-5.
Truman added his second of the night with an empty-net tally at 17:36 of the third, assisted by Callum Arnott and Zam Plante, before the Nanooks broke through in the closing seconds. Michael Citara scored at 19:43, spoiling Adam Gajan’s shutout bid.
Gajan finished with 24 saves, while Calvin Vachon made 21 stops for Alaska. The Bulldogs killed off all five Alaska power plays despite being whistled for 25 penalty minutes.
Minnesota Duluth returns home next weekend for a nonconference series against Augustana on Friday and Saturday at Amsoil Arena.