The Kenai River Brown Bears clinched the fourth seed from the five-team Midwest Division of the North American Hockey League, qualifying for the playoffs following a pair of home victories over the division-leading Janesville Jets.
Kenai River 7 – Janesville 4 Friday
A four-goal, first period staked the Brown Bears to a 4-0 advantage in Kenai River’s 7-4 victory on Friday at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex.
Lucas Wahlin opened the scoring just 2:41 into the first period. Brandon Lajoie scored back-to-back goals and Shayne Tomlinson added a goal for the 4-0 lead. In the second period, Kenai River scored on a Brandon McNamara goal, following a pair of Jets goals, for a 5-2 Brown Bears lead. The third period opened with two Kenai River goals; one for Wahlin and one for Jake Veri. Janesville closed the period with two goals; the Brown Bears top the Jets 7-4. Luke Pavicich recorded 33 saves in the victory for the Brown Bears.
Kenai River 3 – Janesville 2 OT Saturday
Kenai River’s Lucas Wahlin scored the game-winning, overtime goal at 3:09 of the overtime period for a 3-2 Brown Bears victory over the Janesville Jets on Saturday.
The Jets opened a 1-0 lead in the first period. Kenai River’s Max Helgeson tied the game just seconds later; then the Jets added a second goal for a 2-1 lead. . Kenai River scored on a Morgan Winters goal in the second period to tie the game at 2-2. Following a scoreless third period, Lucas Wahlin netted the game-winner at 3:09 of the overtime. Luke Pavicich recorded 35 saves, not allowing a goal after the first period. Final Score: Kenai River 3 – Jet 2 OT.
NAHL Playoff Picture
The Brown Bears qualify to the NAHL playoffs earning the #4 seed from the Midwest Division. Kenai River currently stands at 21-21-1-1. The Janesville Jets stand at 28-10 -4- 0 and own first place in the division. The playoffs will pair the #1 seed against the #4 seed in the first round.
Brown Bears Schedule
Friday, May 7 Kenai River @ Fairbanks Ice Dogs 7:30 p.m. Big Dipper Arena
Saturday, May 8 Kenai River @ Fairbanks Ice Dogs 7:30 p.m. Big Dipper Arena
Friday, May 14 Kenai River vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs 7:30 p.m. Soldotna Regional Sports Complex
Saturday, May 15 Kenai River vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs 7:30 p.m. Soldotna Regional Sports Complex
