Goal in final seconds lifts UAF hockey past UAA in Governor's Cup game

Nanooks forward Braden Birnie scored with just three seconds remaining in regulation to push UAF to a 4-3 win.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a close Governor's Cup matchup between the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) hockey teams, UAF forward Braden Birnie scored the game-winning goal with just 3 seconds left in regulation to give the Nanooks a 4-3 victory over the Seawolves.

Why it matters

The Governor's Cup is an annual rivalry series between the two Alaska-based college hockey programs. This late-game heroics by Birnie gives UAF an 11-4 lead in the overall series, putting them in a strong position to secure the Cup with a win or overtime/shootout victory in the next game.

The details

With the game tied 3-3 in the final seconds, UAA won a faceoff in their own end. But UAF gained possession and Nathan Rickey put a shot on goal. The puck went through Birnie's legs, hit the post, and sat in the crease next to UAA goalie Tyler Krivtsov, allowing Birnie to poke it in for the game-winner.

  • The game-winning goal by Braden Birnie came with just 3 seconds remaining in regulation on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Braden Birnie

A senior forward for the University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey team who scored the game-winning goal in the final seconds against UAA.

Tyler Krivtsov

The goaltender for the University of Alaska Anchorage hockey team who made 29 saves in the game.

Erik Largen

The head coach of the University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey team.

Matt Shasby

The head coach of the University of Alaska Anchorage hockey team.

Aiden Westin

A forward for the University of Alaska Anchorage hockey team who scored the opening goal of the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's just another game to this rivalry. We've seen so many of these types of things on both sides and we're fortunate enough to get the extra bounce tonight.”

— Erik Largen, UAF Head Coach (adn.com)

“I just heard it go off the post and looked back and tried to identify where it was. It was under his skate right at the post. All I really had to do is poke it in. Sometimes you have good fortune and the puck just sits there.”

— Braden Birnie, UAF Forward (adn.com)

“They got two pretty fortunate bounces on two of their goals. That's what they do, though. They're a hardworking team, and you got to create your own bounces.”

— Matt Shasby, UAA Head Coach (adn.com)

What’s next

The two teams will face off again on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 5:07 PM in what will be the final UAA home game of the season. UAF can clinch the Governor's Cup with a regulation win or overtime/shootout victory, while UAA needs a regulation win to keep their hopes alive before the series shifts to Fairbanks for the final two games next weekend.

The takeaway

This thrilling late-game finish showcases the intensity and unpredictability of the long-standing Governor's Cup rivalry between UAF and UAA. The Nanooks' ability to capitalize on fortuitous bounces and their relentless work ethic have given them the upper hand so far, but the Seawolves have shown they can battle back, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series.