Avs stay home to host Brown Bears

PALMER — For the first time in weeks, the Alaska Avalanche have found themselves out of first place in the North American Hockey League West Division. But tonight, the Avs will restart their fight to take first place back as they host Kenai River at 7:30 p.m. at the MTA Palmer Ice Arena.

Fairbanks jumped ahead of Alaska and moved into first place of the NAHL West with a 7-3 win over the Fresno Falcons in California on Wednesday. The Ice Dogs are currently riding a seven-game winning streak and now hold a one-point lead over the Avs.

Fairbanks, which plays Fresno tonight in California, sits at 20-9-2 with 42 points in the standings. Alaska is second with a 20-12-1 mark and 41 points.

Wenatchee (16-11-2, 34 points) and Kenai River (14-12-3, 31 points) round out the top four.

Alaska currently has four wins in seven games against Kenai River this season. Forward Jake Barber leads the Avs in scoring against the Brown Bears, with eight goals and three assists. Brandon Brossoit has three goals and six assists against Kenai River.

Alaska also hosts Kenai River Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the MTA Palmer Ice Arena.