Wasilla knocks off South Anchorage 3–1 after the Wolverines completed an undefeated 20-0-2 championship season last year.

WASILLA, Alaska | October 30, 2026

The Wasilla Warriors couldn't have asked for a much bigger statement to open their 2026–27 hockey season. Facing the defending Division I state champion South Anchorage Wolverines, who completed the entire 2025–26 season without a loss, the Warriors delivered an impressive 3–1 victory Friday night at Brett Memorial Ice Arena. South entered the new season riding the momentum of a remarkable 20-0-2 campaign that culminated in a state championship. But on opening night, it was Wasilla that emerged victorious.

Warriors Come Out Firing

Wasilla wasted little time establishing itself against the defending champions. The Warriors controlled much of the opening period, outshooting South 12–7 and finding the back of the net twice. Branson Hagel opened the scoring with a goal assisted by Michael Thompson. Later in the period, Thompson doubled Wasilla's advantage when he tipped home a power-play goal off a play set up by Matthew DeMaster and Dylan Mead. The Warriors carried a 2–0 lead into the first intermission, putting the defending champions in an unfamiliar position.

South Responds, Willis Stands Tall

South Anchorage demonstrated why it remains one of Alaska's premier hockey programs, battling back in the second period. Oliver Zuber scored a power-play goal, assisted by Ryder Rocheleau, cutting Wasilla's lead to 2–1. The Wolverines applied sustained pressure throughout the period, putting 11 shots on goal. But Wasilla goaltender Braeden Willis was outstanding between the pipes, turning aside 10 second-period shots to preserve the Warriors' one-goal advantage.

Strick Delivers the Finishing Touch

Holding a narrow 2–1 lead entering the final period, Wasilla needed one more goal to put the game out of reach. Richard Strick answered the call. Strick scored with 4:21 showing on the third-period clock, assisted by Thompson, extending the Warriors' lead to 3–1. The assist capped an impressive three-point night for Thompson, who finished with a goal and two assists to lead the Warriors offensively. Willis and the Warriors' defense took care of the rest, limiting South to just three shots in the final period. Willis finished the night with 20 saves on 21 shots, anchoring an impressive defensive performance against the defending champions.

A Statement Victory to Open the Season

The significance of Friday's victory is difficult to overlook. South Anchorage went the entire 2025–26 season without suffering a defeat, compiling a 20-0-2 record on its way to the Division I state championship. In the first game of the new season, Wasilla accomplished something none of South's opponents managed during that championship run: beating the Wolverines. The Warriors combined an aggressive first-period attack, timely special-teams scoring, disciplined third-period defense, and outstanding goaltending to earn the victory. While one game doesn't define a season, defeating the defending state champions in the opening contest provides Wasilla with a tremendous foundation for the months ahead. For the Warriors, the 2026–27 campaign couldn't have started much better. And for the rest of Alaska's Division I hockey programs, Wasilla has delivered an early message: the Warriors are ready to contend.

Game Summary

Wasilla Warriors 3 | South Anchorage Wolverines 1

October 30, 2026 | Brett Memorial Ice Arena

Period	Wasilla	South
1st	2	0
2nd	0	1
3rd	1	0
Final	3	1

Wasilla Goals:

Branson Hagel (Michael Thompson)
Michael Thompson (PP, Matthew DeMaster, Dylan Mead)
Richard Strick (Michael Thompson)

South Goal: Oliver Zuber (PP, Ryder Rocheleau)

Leading Scorer: Michael Thompson, 1 goal, 2 assists (3 points)

Goaltending: Braeden Willis, 20 saves on 21 shots (.952 save percentage)

Shots on Goal: South 21, Wasilla 18

Wasilla Season Record: 1-0-0