Avs win home opener in shootout

WASILLA - Forwards Ryan Kowal and Rudi Pino each buried the puck during a shootout to help the Alaska Avalanche claim a 4-3 win over the Kenai River Brown Bears in Alaska's home opener at the Curtis C. Menard II Memorial Ice Arena in Wasilla on Friday.

The Avs (5-2-0) now sit in first place of the North American Hockey League West Division with 10 points. Kenai River (4-4-1) has nine points.

Alaska managed to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the win. Kenai River scored alll three of its goals within the first 15 minutes of play, recording a pair of power-play goals and an even-strength tally.

Forward Derek Kimbro cut Kenai's advantage to 3-1 scoring with the backhand shot late in the first period. Veteran Tyler Currier pulled the Avs within a score with a shortanded tally in the second. Rookie Logan Rounds tied the score in the third after deflecting a perfect pass from defenseman Braden Kinnebrew.

Alaska and Kenai River meet again on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Menard Arena.