Alaska Avalanche get first win of year

Sept. 15, 2006

The Alaska Avalanche scored its first win of the 2006-07 season on Thursday, earning the victory at the North American Hockey League Showcase Tournament in Blaine, Minn.

With a 3-2 win over the NAHL At-Large squad, the local Junior A hockey squad improved to 1-1 on the young season.

Newcomer Travis Stevens scored a pair of goals to help Alaska earn the win. The Montclair, Calif., native tied the game with a powerplay goal midway through the third period. Stevens tallied the game-winner on a penalty shot 24 seconds into the overtime frame.

Forward Brad McCabe also scored a powerplay goal for the Avalanche.

Jeff Dimmen, starting his second season as a blueliner in the Valley, recorded two assists.

Alaska, formerly called the Wasilla Spirit, suffered a 2-0 loss to Southern Minnesota on the opening day of the tournament.

Alaska recorded 24 shots and was 0-for-12 on the power play.

Goaltender Adam Kraus stopped 38 shots.

The Avalanche have to wait until Oct. 6 to see their first action in Alaska. The squad hosts intrastate rival Fairbanks in the home opener.

- Jeremiah Bartz