Avalanche back for homestand

PALMER — The Alaska Avalanche know the days of going 16-1-1 against Kenai River are in the past.

The Brown Bears are one of the most improved franchises in the North American Hockey League. Their 22 wins are already far and away better than their franchise record of 14 in a season. Kenai River has two 50-point scorers, have solid goaltending and are averaging just more than three points per game.

That improvement has led to a tight season series this year, with each team boasting six wins during a dozen meetings this year. The Avs know the Bears have improved, and while they are expecting a quality opponent, Alaska head coach Brian Huebel said the Avs’ focus needs to be on what they are doing, and not the Bears.

Alaska will get its final crack at the Bears this weekend, as the Avs host a key NAHL West Division series. The set starts tonight at 7:30 p.m. and continues Saturday at 5 p.m.

Alaska, currently tied for second with Wenatchee in the NAHL West, last met the Bears in early January. The Avs took 2 of 3 during the three-game set at the Soldotna Sports Center.

This time around, Alaska will have a few new faces to line up against Kenai, including a pair of former Brown Bears. Anchorage native Connor Wright was acquired in a trade with Kenai River in January. Defenseman Trent Wohlers, a former Wasilla High standout, was added just before the trade deadline.

The Avs also acquired forward Eliot Grauer and goalie Nick Kulmanovsky through a trade with Wenatchee in early February.

Huebel said he likes the makeup of the roster, a squad the Avs hope will power them through a stretch run that includes eight of their last 11 games at home.

Following this weekend’s series, Alaska will host Fairbanks (Feb. 25-26), Wenatchee (March 4-5) and Fresno (March 11-12) before ending the season on the road at Fairbanks (March 24-26).