The Nanooks represented the University of Alaska Fairbanks and were coached by Lance West, in his 1st season.

After a second sweep of the Seawolves, Alaska looked to be well positioned when they split with #8 Minnesota State in mid-January, however, goaltending became a problem afterwards.

Neither regular starter Anton Martinsson nor backup Niko Della Maggiore were able to keep the puck out of the net on several occasions.

To make matters worse, they faced Alaska Anchorage in the regular season finale and were swept at home.

Alaska just held onto the 8th and final spot for the WCHA Tournament and the team's reward was to face Minnesota State, who had now risen to #3 in the polls.