September 11, 2026 | Jacqueline Hixssen
ANCHORAGE, AK — The Anchorage Wolverines opened their preseason exhibition series with a statement, sweeping the US NTDP 4-0 in game one Friday night at the Sullivan Arena.
The first period was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, with the Wolverines recording 10 shots on net to the NTDP’s 12. The difference? The Wolverines had John Scott.
The 2007-born rookie from Duluth, Minnesota, put the Wolverines on the board with just eight seconds remaining in the opening frame, with assists from Benson Peterson and Cale Quamme.
A familiar name hit the scoresheet in the second period, as another late-frame goal extended the Wolverines’ lead.
Landon Greenough carried the puck across the blue line before sending it to the far side for Jack McKenna. McKenna found Balint Lobenwein, who fired a shot that bounced off the NTDP netminder. Chase Trompeter was there to bat the rebound into the net, giving the Wolverines a 2-0 advantage.
Another notable returner, Caleb Mahar, added to the lead in the third period.
After knocking the puck loose from an NTDP player in the neutral zone, Mahar handed it off to Andrei Gandurov, who quickly returned the puck to Mahar at the back door. Mahar one-timed it into the net to make it 3-0.
The fourth and final goal came after Peterson gained possession in the slot. Instead of taking the shot himself, he nudged the puck to the far side, where 2007-born rookie Seth Carlson was waiting to tap it in.
While the offense continued to produce, the Wolverines’ defensive effort was just as impressive. They played with composure and poise throughout the lineup, holding the NTDP scoreless and protecting their four-goal lead heading into the final minutes.
One name who may not be on the scoresheet, but was a key component of the win, was netminder Maverick Avent.
Avent spent the last two seasons in the BCHL before being acquired by the Wolverines and made his debut in teal and navy in impressive fashion, stopping all 35 shots he faced to record the shutout.
But we’re not done yet.
Game Two is tomorrow night at the Sullivan Arena. Doors open at 5:45pm with puck drop set for 7:00pm.
The Wolverines will look to close out the exhibition series with another win against the US NTDP.
