West Valley upsets Wasilla in Division I hockey state semifinals

The Wasilla Warriors were perfect against the West Valley Wolfpack during the regular season and regions. But the Wolfpack found a way to upset the Warriors in the state tourney.

Third-seeded West Valley used a big third period on special teams to get past second-ranked Wasilla 4-1 during the ASAA/First National Cup Division I semifinals Friday evening at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.

West Valley advanced to the state title game for the second straight year. Wasilla was in search of its first trip to the championship since 2022.

Bodon Fullford cashed in on a Wasilla turnover in its own zone and scored shorthanded for West Valley early in the third to spark the Wolfpack and tally the eventual game-winner. Elias Taylor added a 5-on-3 power play goal late in the game to ice it for the Wolfpack.

Elijah Barcelona scored the lone goal for the Warriors. Late in the second period, Barcelona chased down a loose puck and ripped a shot from just inside the left wing circle into the far side of the net. It was one of 15 shots in the second for the Warriors, and 28 in the game.

Zander Finklea gave West Valley its first lead in the second period, with a short breakaway. Jeremyah Murphy skated up the right win and scored West Valley’s third goal of the game.

West Valley suffered a tough 1-0 loss to South Anchorage in the Division I title game. The Wolverines finished their season undefeated.

Wasilla was forced to settle for fifth following a 4-1 loss to West Anchorage in the third-place game. Gavin Blaylock scored the lone goal for the Warriors, an unassisted tally in the first.

The Warriors jumped to a 4-0 win over seventh-seeded Eagle River during the opening round Thursday. Chase Malstrom scored a pair of power play goals early to spark Wasilla. Easton Styers and Dylan Mead also scored. Braeden Willis enjoyed the 18-save shutout for Wasilla.

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