Lake Superior gets big forward for '06

Nathan Perkovich, a forward with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League, has given a verbal commitment to Lake Superior State University and will join the Lakers for the 2006-07 season.

Perkovich, a Canton native, is a 6-foot-5, 195-pounder in his third season in the USHL. Prior to joining the Steel, Perkovich played for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

Currently, Perkovich, a New Jersey Devils draft pick, has a goal and an assist for two points in six games as well as 25 penalty minutes.

"Nathan has paid his dues in the USHL," remarked Steel coach-GM Chris Imes. "He plays hard every shift, every day. His leadership is reminiscent of (Detroit Red Wing Steve) Yzerman, he's quiet and lets his play do the talking. Nathan recovered well from his knee injury and has made an immediate impact this season. Perk is a great example of perseverance, discipline and dedication, and he is being rewarded with a scholarship."

Warriors blank Oakland, 4-0

Wayne State recorded a 4-0 exhibition win over Oakland University's club team Wednesday evening at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum.

In its final tune-up before resuming regular-season play, the Warriors limited the Golden Grizzlies to 16 shots on goal despite five regulars (Stavros Paskaris, Mike Forgie, Nate Higgins, Steve Kovalchik and co-captain Greg Poupard) being out of the lineup.

WSU scored two even-strength goals in the opening period from Matt Krug and Jason Baclig. The Warriors added two power-play goals in the middle stanza from Dave Perri and Derek Punches to complete the scoring.

Junior netminder Kevin Bonikowski (above right) made 16 saves to earn the shutout. Oakland goalie Chris Joswiak turned aside 34 Warrior shots.

"I thought we played much better this time," OU head coach Sean Hogan said. "The guys weren't as nervous as the first game (back on Oct. 4, an 8-0 WSU win) and it showed out of the gate."

The Warriors play a two-game non-conference series at Clarkson University next Friday and Saturday. Friday's game will air on WDTK Radio (1400 AM) and also on the Internet at wdtkam.com. The pre-game show with announcer Andy Sanzotta begins at 6:45 p.m. Saturday's contest can be heard through Teamline starting at 7:15 p.m. (7:30 p.m. face-off).

Oakland plays Davenport Friday night at home.

Oakland icer Webb signs UHL contract

Oakland University forward Ryan Webb (left) signed a professional hockey training camp agreement with the United Hockey League's Motor City Mechanics earlier this week, effectively ending his brief career with the Golden Grizzlies.

"We are certainly proud that Ryan has the opportunity to move on with his hockey career beyond the college ranks," commented OU head coach Sean Hogan. "We wish him the best of luck with his hockey career."

Webb played two years in the NCAA Division III ranks with Utica College and finished with seven points (goal, six assists) in six games with the Grizzlies. Prior to his college career, Webb, a White Lake native, won a Junior A national championship with the now-defunct Pittsburgh Forge of the NAHL and played one season in the USHL with Cedar Rapids and Sioux Falls.

Ferris falls to UNH, Verdone soars at Stampede

The Ferris State Bulldogs opened their 2005-06 season on the road, where they faced non-conference competitors at the Mutual Omaha Stampede. The Bulldogs fell 4-2 to the University of New Hampshire on Friday night, but earned a 5-2 win over Army on Saturday, courtesy of an offensive effort led by Matt Verdone (pictured).

Friday started strong enough for Ferris. Despite New Hampshire getting on the board early in the game, the Bulldogs quickly retaliated. Less than two minutes after the UNH goal, Eric Vesley tied it up for Ferris. Dan Riedel and Adam Welch assisted. Midway through the first stanza, Ferris took the lead on an Adam Miller power-play goal, assisted by Zac Pearson and Brian Yandle.

However, Ferris couldn't preserve the lead for long. UNH scored three unanswered goals in the second period, with two coming on the power play.

Ferris State goaltender Derek McIntyre finished with 24 saves. Jeff Pietrasiak stopped 21 shots for UNH.

Saturday gave the Bulldogs - and one Bulldog in particular - a chance to shine, as they faced off with the Army Black Knights in the tournament consolation game.

Reidel got things started by notching a power play goal with a little help from Mark Bomersback and Greg Rallo. Then with fifteen seconds left in the first period, with Ferris one man down, Verdone banged in his first goal of the evening. Pearson and Andrew Winnick assisted. Verdone lit the lamp again in the second period off a Brendan Connolly assist to put the Bulldogs up 3-0.

Army got on the board in the third period on a Bryce Hollweg power play goal, but three minutes later, it was back to the Matt Verdone show. He capitalized again on the power play to for his third goal of the night, and Pearson and Chris Zarb were credited with the assists.

But a hat trick wasn't enough for Verdone. He notched one more even-strength goal with help from Pearson and Connolly.

Brady Dolim gave Army its second goal late in the third, but Verdone's efforts clearly had their intended effect and Ferris claimed the 'W.'

In his first start, Ferris freshman goalie Mitch O'Keefe had 11 saves. Brad Roberts had 29 saves for the Black Knights.

The Bulldogs travel to Lake Superior State this weekend for a pair of CCHA games.

Western falls to Robert Morris in season opener

The Western Michigan Broncos lost their season opener by a score of 5-2 to the Robert Morris Colonials last Saturday night at Lawson Ice Arena.

Brent Walton (left) put the Broncos on the board in the first period. Reid Yantzi and Mike Erickson earned the assists on his goal.

Robert Morris retaliated with a pair of goals from Jake Sparks and Brett Hopfe. Western was able to even the score by the end of the second period thanks to a Dave Krisky power-play goal. Ryan Moore and goalie Daniel Bellissimo were credited with the assists.

At the start of the third period, Bellissimo was pulled and Scott Foster took over netminder duties. Bellissimo made eleven saves in the first two periods. Foster faced seven shots, but was only able to stop four as RMU co-captain Kurt Wright, Tom Bicudich, and Sparks lit the lamp for Robert Morris and the Broncos could not respond.

Goalie Christian Boucher had 25 saves for Robert Morris.

The Broncos travel to Niagara this Saturday night for their lone game this week.

ACHA Weekend Round-Up

GVSU's leading scorer Nate Morang

Thursday, October 13
WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON 5, Eastern Michigan 3

Friday, October 14
ILLINOIS 8, Western Michigan 0
MICHIGAN-DEARBORN 9, Saint Louis 2
Eastern Michigan 7, KENT STATE 3
Oakland 8, KENTUCKY 5
Grand Valley State 2, INDIANA 1

Saturday, October 15
ILLINOIS 4, Western Michigan 2
MICHIGAN-DEARBORN 5, Saint Louis 2
Eastern Michigan 4, KENT STATE 2
Oakland 11, KENTUCKY 1
INDIANA 7, Grand Valley State 4

(Home teams in CAPS)

Grand Valley State traveled to Indiana last weekend and split with the top-ranked Hoosiers. Friday, goaltender Chris Moore made 60 saves in a 2-1 win. Phil Murray and Nate Morang scored for the Lakers. Saturday, Mike Marquardt, from center ice, Dean Watkins, Jeff Stempin and Morang scored, but GVSU fell, 7-4. Moore finished with 35 shots and suffered his first loss of the season. Murray added three assists.

The Lakers venture to the University of Michigan this Friday and Davenport on Saturday to continue two Central Division rivalries.

Oakland University played two midnight games last weekend at Kentucky and came away with an 8-5 win Friday and an 11-1 pasting Saturday. Brent Cooper and Will McMahon scored two goals each Friday. Captain Brandon Lipari (two assists), Jarrett Samp (two assists) and Ronnie Teasdale (goal, assist) would each finish the night with two points. Saturday night was all OU as they would score 11 goals on 75 shots. Cooper and McMahon would again lead the Grizzlies with Cooper garnering six points (two goals, four assists) and McMahon netting four goals. Defenseman Scott Elder finished the night with three assists. Chris Joswiak turned away 28 Icecat shots in net.

OU will make the short trip to the Michigan State Fairgrounds Wednesday night to take on Wayne State University. Wayne State last played OU on Oct. 4, beating the Grizzlies 8-0.

Recaps courtesy of Chris Moore (GVSU) and Matt Mackinder (OU).

Lakers tie, beat No. 16 Colgate

Lake Superior State took three of four points last weekend with a tie and win over No. 16 Colgate at the Taffy Abel Arena.

Friday night, Derek R. Smith had a goal and an assist and goaltender Jeff Jakaitis (right) made 20 saves in a 2-2 tie. Troy Schwab added two assists and Trent Campbell scored the other LSSU tally.

The following night, Dominic Osman recorded a goal and an assist to lead the Lakers to a 3-2 victory. Jeff Rainville and Nathan Ward also scored to back Jakaitis' 16-save outing. Freshman Marty Gurnoe notched his first collegiate points with a pair of assists. All three goals were with the man-advantage.

The Lakers will play host to Ferris State on Oct. 21-22 while celebrating Great Lake State Weekend.

Wayne women struggle against St. Lawrence

The St. Lawrence women's team made its first journey to Wayne State this weekend, and the Warriors hoped to capitalize on the home-ice advantage to notch their first win over the top-ranked Saints. However, the offensive energy of the Saints proved to be too much for the Warriors to handle; they lost 3-2 on Friday and 4-0 on Saturday.

Friday's contest started in Wayne State's favor with sophomore Ashley King (pictured) scoring the game's first goal late in the first period. Freshman Melissa Boal was credited with the assist.

St. Lawrence retaliated early in the second period with a Sabrina Herbec goal, and widened their lead with two more goals scored in the span of 38 seconds, courtesy of Crystal Conners and Annie Guay.

Warrior freshman Lindsey DiPietro tried to get Wayne State back in the game, but her goal would be the last one of the night. Boal and fellow freshman Sam Poyton picked up the assists.

The Warriors would fare no better on Saturday. Goalie Valery Turcotte, who had 17 saves on Friday, was rattled early on when Saints forward Carson Duggan lit the lamp just 21 seconds into the game. Duggan beat Turcotte again midway through the first period to put St. Lawrence up 2-0.

The second period started no better for the Warriors, as Duggan once again scored, completing her evening hat trick. Sabrina Herbec assisted on each of Duggan's goals.

Less than a minute later, Crystal Conners put the Saints up 4-0.

Turcotte finished with 21 saves.

A two-skater advantage in the third period gave the Warriors a chance to retaliate, but the team could not convert. The Warriors were 0-for-14 on the power play this weekend. However, their opponents did no better as Wayne State killed all three of St. Lawrence's power play chances.

The Warriors will look to snap their three-game losing streak against Clarkson this weekend at home.

Michigan routs Merrimack, 9-2

Michigan sophomore Kevin Porter

Kevin Porter's first career hat trick and Andrew Cogliano's first two collegiate goals highlighted a seven-goal first period as Michigan cruised to a 9-2 win yesterday afternoon against Merrimack at Yost Ice Arena.

Cogliano added two assists and T.J. Hensick (goal, three assists), captain Andrew Ebbett (goal, two assists) and Jack Johnson (three assists) had notable offensive outputs.

Goaltender Noah Ruden started his first game of the year and made 25 saves while allowing two goals in just under 50 minutes of action. Mike Mayhew played the final 10 minutes.

Freshmen Zac MacVoy and Tyler Swystun each netted their first career goal as well while Mark Mitera tallied his first career point with an assist in the first period.

The Wolverines scored five power-play goals on 12 chances. The last time Michigan scored five power-play tallies was at Notre Dame on Dec. 2, 2004.

"The importance of the start of the game has a lot to do with the direction in which the goals are scored," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "I like the fact that we got off to a good start in both games this weekend, tonight in particular. That gets some momentum going and some confidence. We had a lot of players get some quality ice time. If you look at our freshmen, Cogliano scored his first goal, (Travis) Turnbull scored a winner (against Boston College) Friday night and MacVoy scored his first. The point is that everyone's starting to contribute a little more. Hopefully, our team took a step forward from a week ago."

This marks the first time since the 1999-2000 season that the Wolverines have started the season 4-0-0. Berenson's best winning streak to start a season came in 1996-97 when the Wolverines started out 6-0-0.

The Wolverines open the CCHA regular season Saturday against Michigan State at Yost. Faceoff is slated for 7:35 p.m.