SFU Makes BCIHL History with First Win Over NCAA D1 Opponent

ANCHORAGE/FAIRBANKS, AK — For the first time in its 18-year history, Simon Fraser University Hockey has emerged victorious in NCAA Div. 1 play. 

SFU continued their ambitious preseason schedule this past weekend in Alaska with two games against the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves on Friday and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks on Saturday. 

Friday’s game marked the first time in 930 days that the Seawolves would take to the ice after almost losing their program during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Special teams were of utmost importance in Anchorage, with SFU taking 4 penalties including a 5 minute major by captain Mitch Ledyard, and UAA taking 6. SFU would finish the night 0-for-5 on the powerplay. 

SFU held the Seawolves to just 8 shots in the 1st period and would end up allowing 28 shots by the end of the game, with netminder Cale Dolan holding on to get his first shutout of the year. 

#RiseInRed https://t.co/cphzFE8JFj pic.twitter.com/R0Hjq2Y1rb

— SFU Red Leafs Hockey (@SFUHockey) September 24, 2022

At the other end of the ice, SFU was able to put 18 shots on UAA goaltenders Joey Lamoreaux and Nolan Kent. A defensive back-and-forth matchup that seemed to be destined to head to overtime was squashed when Mathieu Jallabert buried the rebound off a shot by Logan Bromhead with just 1:55 to go in the 3rd and would hold as the game’s only goal. 

#RiseInRed https://t.co/aq3EtK9aon pic.twitter.com/sGIHC5fEOq

— SFU Red Leafs Hockey (@SFUHockey) September 24, 2022

The victory marked the first time in British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League history that a team in the league has defeated an NCAA Division 1 program, after the likes of Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, and Trinity Western University had all suffered losses in the past.

“Tremendous effort by the boys,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “They have worked hard, so it’s a great result.”

HISTORY IN ALASKA.

With their win over the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves tonight, Simon Fraser University Hockey becomes the first team in BCIHL history to defeat an NCAA Division 1 team! #BCIHL | #RiseInRed pic.twitter.com/MuMHLSPsb9

— British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (@bcihl) September 24, 2022

LINK: Sept. 23 @ UAA Box Score

Saturday in Fairbanks, the Red Leafs team looked to continue their success in Alaska against the Nanooks but were handed a 6-0 shutout loss. SFU finished the evening with just 14 shots on goal, whereas Alaska-Fairbanks would tally 48. 

“These games and performances are big for the SFU Hockey program,” said Coletta, “Past players, alumni, and everyone who has been involved with the program should be proud.”

“The players really represented the university well, and it’s a testament to our players who work hard on and off the ice every day.”

LINK: Sept. 24 @ UAF Box Score

SFU returns to Burnaby for matchups against VIU and Logan Lake on October 14th and 15th. Tickets are available for purchase at shop.sfuhockey.com.