Bydal's Hat Trick Leads Anchorage to Game 1 Playoff Win

Wisconsin's Larsson blanks Fairbanks in Central Division semifinal opener

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:13pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the frenetic action and scoring plays of a high-stakes hockey playoff game, with players' faces and jerseys blurred into dynamic brushstrokes.The playoff intensity and scoring heroics of players like Luc Bydal are captured in a bold, energetic illustration.Proctor Today

Luc Bydal scored a hat trick to lead the Anchorage Wolverines to a 3-2 road win over the Minnesota Wilderness in Game 1 of their NAHL Midwest Division semifinal series. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Windigo shut out the Fairbanks Ice Dogs 3-0 in the opening game of their Central Division semifinal matchup.

Why it matters

The Wolverines' upset of the Midwest Division regular-season champion Wilderness gives them home-ice advantage in the best-of-five series. The Windigo's road victory over the Ice Dogs also puts them in control of their series heading back to Fairbanks.

The details

Bydal, a Long Island commit, scored the game's opening goal and added two more in the second and third periods to power Anchorage's win. Goaltender Kai Weigel made 28 saves for the Wolverines. In the Central Division, Wisconsin's Max Larsson turned aside all 31 shots he faced to blank Fairbanks in the series opener.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Game 2 of both series will be played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Luc Bydal

A 42-goal scorer during the regular season, Bydal recorded a hat trick to lead Anchorage to the Game 1 victory.

Kai Weigel

The Wolverines' goaltender made 28 saves to backstop the road win over Minnesota.

Max Larsson

The Wisconsin goalie turned aside all 31 shots he faced in the Windigo's 3-0 shutout of Fairbanks.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Game 2 of the Anchorage-Minnesota and Wisconsin-Fairbanks series will be played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The opening-round playoff victories by Anchorage and Wisconsin have given both teams a leg up in their respective series, with the Wolverines now guaranteed at least two home games and the Windigo taking control of their matchup against Fairbanks.