UAA hockey falls to rival UAF in return to Sullivan Arena

Seawolves make long-awaited comeback to historic venue for Governor's Cup

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The University of Alaska Anchorage hockey team made their return to Sullivan Arena, their former home venue, for the annual Governor's Cup series against rival University of Alaska Fairbanks. However, the Seawolves fell 4-1 to the Nanooks in the hard-fought matchup.

Why it matters

The return to Sullivan Arena, where UAA hockey has a long and storied history, was a significant moment for the program and its fans. Despite the loss, it marked the Seawolves' first game at the historic venue in nearly a decade.

The details

UAF earned three points for the regulation win, taking a 7-2 advantage in the eight-game Cup series. The Nanooks are poised to win the trophy and a year's worth of bragging rights for the 15th time in a row. The lone goal for UAA came from senior forward Luke Johnson, a former Nanook, in the second period.

  • The last game UAA played at Sullivan Arena was on March 2, 2019 against UAF, resulting in a 2-1 Nanooks' win.
  • Friday night's game marked the Seawolves' long-awaited return to the historic venue.

The players

Matt Shasby

UAA hockey coach who has played more games at Sullivan Arena than anyone, having been a Chugiak Mustang, a Seawolf, and an Alaska Aces player.

Camden Shasby

Seawolf defenseman and the coach's son, who took the same ice his father did for many years.

Luke Johnson

Senior forward for UAA, who scored the lone goal for the Seawolves and is a former Nanook.

University of Alaska Anchorage

The home team, making their return to the historic Sullivan Arena after nearly a decade.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

The rival team, the Nanooks, who prevailed 4-1 and are poised to win the Governor's Cup for the 15th time in a row.

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What they’re saying

“This hallway that we're standing in right here, I've been in here thousands of times. I've spent thousands of hours in this building. It's a special place to me. I've won championships in this building, I've lost championships in this building. It's a special place to Alaska hockey history and to the Seawolf program for sure.”

— Matt Shasby, UAA hockey coach (adn.com)

“It was a special moment for our program, for the Seawolf 5th Line, our athletic department and everybody that's put in all this work since the program came back in 2021. The crowd was great, the presentation was great and it just felt like Seawolf hockey was back in this building.”

— Matt Shasby, UAA hockey coach (adn.com)

“It's been special and it's been great all year. I'm really proud of him for the effort that he's given our squad, and it's been fun to watch him develop.”

— Matt Shasby, UAA hockey coach (adn.com)

What’s next

The two teams will face off again at 5 p.m. Saturday at Sullivan Arena for the second game of the Governor's Cup series.

The takeaway

Despite the loss, the Seawolves' return to Sullivan Arena, their historic home venue, was a significant moment for the program and its loyal fans. The team and community are eager to see Seawolf hockey continue to thrive in this iconic arena.