It’s time for another inauguration of another theme, Sporting Thursday. Having an active lifestyle has always been important to me, it’s only natural I should continue that through my photography. For todays first post of Sporting Thursday, we travel to the Carlson Center, Fairbanks, Alaska, for the first round of the soon-to-be defunct Central Collegiate Hockey Association, where the Michigan State Spartans traveled to play the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks. 

Friday, March 8, was a intense, low scoring game. Despite the Nanooks 35-15 shot on goal advantage, 3 minutes into overtime, MSU’s Matt DeBlouw slipped the puck past Nanook goaltender John Keeney.

The image I have of DeBlouw’s game-winning goal is an interesting thought experiment. Occasionally the discussion of sport-journalists acting as cheerleaders arises. In this particular instance I had positioned myself in hopes UAF scored the overtime goal, a better angle then if MSU did. As we know MSU scored first, had I kept a neutral position it’s likely I would have a cleaner image with the puck easier to see. Of course, sports are unpredictable, and would-be images frequently happen out of range or obstructed.

This cheerleading mentality can also manifest in war reporters. Stories get edited, or completely untold, to protect the reputation of the military. That is not something I have experienced, and a discussion for another post.

UAF goalie John Keeney realizes the game is over after MSU scores in overtime.

A good chance goes without a goal for UAF’s Trevor Campbell

The Nanooks won Saturday, I game I did not attend, 4-1, forcing a deciding game three on Sunday.

I showed up sometime in the second period, the score tied 1-1. Within five minutes MSU went up 3-1, both goals I may have got a good shot of, if I had been ready. Also within that five minutes two players broke some glass, causing over 20 minutes in delay. MSU then went up 4-1, and the game ended 4-3, with UAF being done for the season.

UAF goalie John Keeney hangs his head after MSU scores their 4th, and ultimately game-winning goal.

Broken glass created a lengthy game delay in the second period.