Lakers swept by surging Ohio State

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

For the first time this season, the Lake Superior State Lakers were swept in a weekend series. Facing 7th ranked Ohio State in Columbus, the Lakers couldn't come up with the offense needed to compete with the Buckeyes.

Friday night the Lakers dropped a 5-2 decision to OSU. Down 3-0 in the third, the Lakers finally got on the board with a power-play goal by freshman defenseman Kevin Czuczman, with assists going to sophomore forward Dan Radke and junior defenseman Zach Trotman.

The Buckeyes would answer to re-take a three goal lead before LSSU would score their second goal by freshman forward Buddy Robinson, with assists going to senior defenseman Kyle Haines and junior forward Ben Power. Ohio State would add an empty net goal for the 5-2 victory.

Sophomore goaltender Kevin Kapalka made 28 saves for LSSU. The Lakers were 1-2 on the power-play, while OSU was 1-3.

Saturday night, the Lakers put up a gallant effort before dropping a 2-1 decision. Laker freshman forward Chris Ciotti scored the first goal of the game, and LSSU's only goal of the night, in the second period. Senior captain Fred Cassiani earned the lone assist.

Ohio State would tie the game up in the second, and the winning goal in the third.

Sophomore netminder Kevin Murdock took the loss, making 31 saves for Lake State. The Buckeyes were held 0-4 on the power play, while the Lakers were 0-2.

LSSU hosts the Northern Michigan Wildcats next weekend in the battle for the Cappo Cup.