Avs shine at league all-star event

PALMER — A group of Alaska Avalanche all-stars shined during the first day of the North American Hockey League Top Prospects tournament in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Alaska forward Blake Huppert scored the game-winner and Avs goalie Landon Peterson recorded the win in net during Team West’s 6-2 victory over Team Central Sunday afternoon.

Huppert, with help from teammate Matt Friese, scored at the 4:11 mark of the second period. The former Colony High skater also recorded assists on a pair of goals during the period.

Friese also scored for Team West. Huppert set up that tally 19 seconds into the middle frame. Huppert also attempted on Matt Thompson’s goal with just more than 12 minutes left in the second period.

Peterson stopped all 12 shots he faced, as he split time with Dawson Creek goalie Andrew Walsh.

Huppert and Friese both finished with a plus-3 rating in the game. Alaska defenseman Dan Senkbeil also skated in the game, and finished with an even rating with one shot.

On Monday, Team West suffered a 6-2 loss to Team North.

Peterson allowed four goals during the final 30 minutes of the game and was tagged with the loss.

Team West caps tournament play against Team South today at 5:30 a.m. AST.

The NAHL uses the Top Prospects tournament to showcase the league’s top talent in a separate event each year. The tournament draws professional and collegiate hockey scouts.