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FAIRBANKS — The Fairbanks Ice Dogs are getting back to the basics.

Trying to cast aside a recent funk, the Ice Dogs (7-7-1) have spent the week sharpening their fundamentals in preparation for a two-game series against the Wichita Falls Wildcats beginning at 7:30 Friday night in the Big Dipper Ice Arena.

“Sometimes, you get caught up in the systems and you get caught up in the power plays and the penalty kills — things like that,” Fairbanks coach Josh Hauge said, adding that footwork and positioning have been major points of focus.

After a 3-0 loss to the Kenai River Brown Bears last Friday, Hauge was extremely displeased with the Ice Dogs’ effort and said there were mental issues that needed to be resolved.

The Ice Dogs responded with a 3-2 win over the Brown Bears on Saturday, but the second-year head coach is looking for a string of wins.

Forward Michael Juola, who leads the team with 15 assists, said he has seen some of Fairbanks’ swagger return since Friday.

“We have that confidence where if something bad happens, we don’t let it get to us,” he said. “... We haven’t been playing with that attitude and it’s been showing.”

Whether Fairbanks has cleared the hurdle or not, Hauge would rather see his team struggle at the beginning of the season than at the end.

“It’s new ground for everyone,” he said. “We’d rather have it now and get it out of our system.”

Fairbanks will face another team trying to find some traction, as the Wildcats (4-6-2) recently lost six games in a nine-game homestand in Texas.

Wichita Falls is known for its tough play, and Hauge expects a boost in skill this year behind forwards Brian Sheehan, Anthony Iaquinto and Adam Kuhn.

“Adam Kuhn, he brings energy every night,” Hauge said. “They have a lot of guys that can hurt you.”

Dog Bites

• Goaltender Jake Williams joined the Ice Dogs this week and began to practice with Fairbanks on Wednesday.

Williams went 0-4-1 with the Milton Icehawks of the Ontario Junior A Hockey League. He had a 5.64 goals against average and an .888 saves percentage.

Williams joins Mike Taffe (5-1-0) and Erick Cinotti (4-1-0 overall, 0-1-0 with Fairbanks) in the competition for the Ice Dogs’ starting role.

No starter has been named for Friday’s game.

Fairbanks defenseman Pete Spratte said it’s crucial for a team to trust its goalie and the best thing the Ice Dogs can do is play consistently for whomever is between the pipes.

“You just have to have faith and play the same way, no matter who’s in net,” he said.

• Friday night is U.S. Army night at the Big Dipper. There will be giveaways and prizes among other Army-related festivities.

Contact staff writer Joshua Armstrong at 459-7583.