The Kenai Kardinals opened tournament play at the Big Lake Lions Christmas Classic with a victory over Palmer and the Soldotna Stars fell to North Pole to open a three-game swing through Fairbanks; both teams beginning three-day hockey series on the road.
Kenai 6- Palmer 5
The Kardinals Jakeb O’Brien scored the tie-breaking, game-winning goal for Kenai with 1:33 remaining in regulation, pushing the Kards past the Moose 6-5 in the Big Lake Lions Christmas Classic’s opening contest. Levi Mese recorded a four-goal hat trick for the Kardinals and Jordan Knudsen added a goal.
Kenai faces Wasilla on Friday at the Big Lake Arena in the winner’s bracket, semi-final scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
North Pole 5 – SoHi 3
The Soldotna Stars put a scare to the Patriots in a 5-3 loss at North Pole. SoHi tied the contest 3-3 off the opening face-off of the third period, an unassisted goal for Galen Brantley III. North Pole retook the lead with only 2:29 remaining in the third; then added an empty-net goal to close the scoring. Journey Miller, Wyatt Medcoff and Brantley scored goals for the Stars.
SoHi faces West Valley at the Patty Center in Fairbanks on Friday night. Gametime scheduled for 6:45 p.m.
