Opposing Goalies Blank Anchorage, Fairbanks in NAHL Playoff Losses

Wisconsin Windigo and Minnesota Wilderness netminders stifle Alaska teams in Game 2 shutouts

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender making a save, with the player's body and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color in a vibrant, abstract style.The dominant goaltending performances in the NAHL playoff series between Alaska teams have put the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Anchorage Wolverines on the brink of elimination.Proctor Today

The Wisconsin Windigo's Max Larsson and Minnesota Wilderness' Ryan Gerlich both recorded shutouts on Saturday, as the Windigo defeated the Fairbanks Ice Dogs 1-0 and the Wilderness beat the Anchorage Wolverines 5-0 in Game 2 of their respective North American Hockey League playoff series.

Why it matters

The dominant goaltending performances have put the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Anchorage Wolverines on the brink of elimination in their best-of-five division semifinal matchups. Both Alaska teams now face must-win scenarios in Game 3 as they try to extend their seasons.

The details

Larsson stopped all 29 shots he faced for the Windigo, while Gerlich turned away 23 Anchorage shots. AJ Bongiorno scored the lone goal for Wisconsin, while Talan Blanck had two goals and two assists for Minnesota. The games featured a combined 132 minutes in penalties, including several fights that could impact the availability of players for Game 3.

  • Game 2 was played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Game 3 between Fairbanks and Wisconsin is set for Sunday, April 20 at 4 p.m. AKDT.
  • Game 3 between Anchorage and Minnesota is set for Sunday, April 20 at 4:15 p.m. AKDT.
  • If necessary, Game 4 between Anchorage and Minnesota will be played on Friday, April 25 in Anchorage.
  • If necessary, Game 5 between Anchorage and Minnesota will be played on Saturday, April 26 in Anchorage.

The players

Max Larsson

A 20-year-old goaltender from Salsjo-Boo, Sweden, who plays for the Wisconsin Windigo and recorded a 29-save shutout in Game 2.

Ryan Gerlich

A goaltender from Brainerd, Minnesota, who plays for the Minnesota Wilderness and recorded a 23-save shutout in Game 2.

Talan Blanck

A 20-year-old forward for the Minnesota Wilderness who had two goals and two assists in the team's Game 2 win.

Kai Weigel

The starting goaltender for the Anchorage Wolverines, who made 26 saves before being relieved in the third period.

Drake Owens

The relief goaltender for the Anchorage Wolverines, who made one save in the final 5:53 of the game.

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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

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.