Seawolves Return to Sullivan Arena for Governor's Cup Showdown

Anchorage, Alaska — The UAA Seawolves stepped onto familiar ice at Sullivan Arena on Saturday night, reviving a tradition that had lain dormant for nearly a decade as they hosted the UAF Nanooks in a Governor’s Cup contest. The building, once the program’s regular home, crackled with nostalgia and anticipation as 2,600 fans packed the stands to witness the Seawolves’ long-awaited return.

For head coach Matt Shasby, the night carried personal resonance. Having spent formative years tied to the arena, Shasby called the occasion “emotional,” acknowledging both the history embedded in the rink’s boards and the opportunity to create new memories for a new generation of Seawolves supporters.

On the ice, the rivalry remained as fierce as ever. The Nanooks struck early and never trailed, ultimately claiming a 4-1 victory that extended their lead in the season-long Governor’s Cup series. Despite the final score, the Seawolves showcased flashes of the speed and grit that have become hallmarks of their play this season, pulling within two goals midway through the contest before UAF sealed the win late.

While the result will go into the record books, the evening was less about standings and more about reclamation. Players saluted the crowd during pre-game introductions, alumni swapped stories in the concourse, and students brandished banners proclaiming “Sully’s Back.” For a program that has weathered uncertainty in recent years, the return to Sullivan Arena felt like a re-anchoring—both symbolic and tangible—of UAA hockey within the community fabric.

With the Governor’s Cup series still in progress, the Seawolves will look to rebound when the teams meet again. For now, though, Saturday night stands as a milestone: a celebration of heritage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of college hockey in the Last Frontier.