Badgers hockey fends off Alaska-Anchorage

At Anchorage, Alaska, juniors Michael Mersch and Tyler Barnes both had a goal and an assist as Wisconsin held off host Alaska-Anchorage by a 5-3 margin, at Sullivan Arena. The visiting Badgers (5-7-5 overall, 3-5-5 WCHA) bolted out to a quick, 2-0 lead in Friday's first period, thanks to goals from John Ramage and Joseph LaBate. Alaska-Anchorage made a slight comeback late, but the Badgers' defense was ultimatelystout enough to ensure victory for the visitors. Wisconsin and Alaska-Anchorage return to battle Saturday night, in another showdown set for a 10 p.m. CST start.