SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Shattuck-St. Mary’s School entered Friday riding high with a winning pedigree and winning record, having topped Pittsburgh 3-2 on opening day. The Alaska Oilers awoke at the other end of the spectrum, having dropped a 9-0 decision to the New Jersey Colonials in their tournament opener.

“Things just kind of went south on us against New Jersey,” said Keith Morris, Oilers head coach. “We had some soul-searching to do last night. We challenged the team to bring a better effort.”

Amidst the roar, ringing and cowbell swinging of a pro-Alaska crowd, the Oilers responded to their coaches’ challenge, rising to topple Shattuck 3-1.

It was anything but easy for Alaska, which surrendered Peter Reynolds’ second game-opening goal in as many days a mere 63 seconds into the first period. But Hunter Strand answered on the power play late in the first period, forging a 1-1 tie that held until Conner Ehmann gave the Oilers their first lead of the tournament 85 seconds into the third period. It was the first blast of Ehmann’s firepower, but not the last. Twelve minutes later, with Shattuck enjoying a 5-on-3 man-advantage, Ehmann stood tall to block a blast from the point, then swatted the puck down the ice to diffuse the threat. Clinging to a one-goal lead, Alaska finished the penalty kill unscathed, then thwarted Shattuck’s attempt to tie with the goalie pulled. Eventually, Strand potted a hustling empty-netter that delivered a signature victory for Alaska.

“We’re proud of them,” said Morris, who served previously as an assistant coach at the University of Alaska Anchorage. “This team had 22 kids at its tryout. Almost all of the kids are from Anchorage. They work hard. We give them a good off-ice program and these kids skate on their own 25 to 30 times a season on outdoor ice. We practice with the 15s team. All these kids are disciples of the ADM.”

Ehmann, from the outskirts of Anchorage, channeled that training into a memorable performance against Shattuck. His first goal of the tournament, tucked past Carsen Stokes, proved to be the game-winner, and his late-period shot-block may have been just as crucial.

“I try to play my position and not chase it around on the penalty kill,” said Ehmann. I took that one off the right shoulder, but I hardly even felt it. That’s like my main thing – get in front of pucks.”

Morris considers Ehmann something of a shot-blocking savant.

“I’ve never seen a kid who has the timing and ability to block shots like Conner,” he said.

There’s also a fair amount of desire involved, something Ehmann’s teammates share, especially on special teams.

“It’s something we take a lot of pride in,” said Morris. “Everybody gets a chance. If you develop a competitiveness and a commitment level, the special teams, especially the penalty kill, is successful.”

Goaltending also plays a role, and Friday, Raythan Robbins was sharp, stopping 21 of Shattuck’s 22 shots on goal. It all added up to a great team victory for Alaska, one that these young Oilers will carry with them for a lifetime.