Whitten to take helm of Lakers

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

Over the weekend Lake Superior State University held a press conference to name Damon Whitten the new head coach of the hockey program. He is the 10th coach in the history of Laker hockey. Whitten was an assistant coach at WCHA rival Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI, before taking the LSSU job. He has also worked as director of hockey operations at Michigan State under form Laker player and coach Rick Comley, and has also served as an assistant coach at Wayne State and Alaska-Anchorage.

"He has surrounded himself with some of the best that college hockey has to offer with who he was coached with, coached for and coached under," LSSU Athletic Director Kris Dunbar stated at the press conference. "I'm really excited for his time now to be a head coach here."

In his younger years, Whitten hoped to don the anchor and play for the Lakers, but was not made an offer by then head coach Jeff Jackson.

"Over 20 years ago, I sat up in Taffy Abel in his office waiting for an offer from Jeff Jackson to be a Laker, and had he offered me at the time, I would have been a part of this family back then," Whitten said. "It's 20 years later and I'm finally joining the Laker family and I'm very excited to do that."

I hate to point out, however, that the arena was not dubbed Taffy Abel 20 years ago, it was just the Norris Center before the renovations Jackson initiated, and his office was located in the other athletic department staff across from the gymnasium.

Anyway, the Brighton, MI, native decided to be a walk-on at Michigan State and play for another former Laker coach, Ron Mason. Whitten went on to serve as an assistant captain his senior year and become part of the most successful class in Spartan hockey history.

"That four years with Coach Mason was a huge influence on me as a player and as a coach in my development and my aspiration to get to this level. What struck me is looking up an seeing Ron Mason, the founder of this program, up on the walls," Whitten stated. "He handed this program off to Rick Comley, who was his first captain, and Rick took over as the second head coach in Laker hockey history. Jeff Jackson built this into a powerhouse program."

I think we'd have to give Frank Anzalone some credit for programs success, too. I do wish Whitten and the Lakers all the best of luck this coming season. The team failed to make the WCHA playoffs, and we're hoping Whitten can right the ship here at Lake State and be competitive.

"Our job will begin immediately to reach out to alumni, fans, recruits, and the community during our quest to restore Laker hockey. Our family is very excited to join the Sault Ste. Marie community and become part of the Laker hockey family."

Photos courtesy of LSSU Athletic Dept.

Roque out at LSSU

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

Lake Superior State University announced yesterday that they will not be renewing head coach Jim Roque's contract for next season. They also stated on their official website that a national search for his successor will start immediately.

The Lakers were 16-19-1 this season, and was one of only two teams left out of the WCHA Playoffs. Roque's career record at Lake State was 136-165-1 over nine seasons. He took the helm of the Lakers in 2005, and led them to their first winning season in six years, and a year later to the team's first CCHA semifinal appearance in 11 years. Over the years Roque's team have had the habit of a strong start, only to falter later in the season. The Lakers spent many weeks this season ranked in the top 20 before the Christmas break, and their late season slide.

Roque is a former Laker himself, donning the anchor from 1983-87, and was part of the first squad to make the NCAA tournament in 1985. As an assistant coach at Lake State, he served under Frank Anzalone during their 1988 National Championship season, and Jeff Jackson during the 1992 National Championship season. He also coached under Mark Morris at Clarkson, where the Golden Knights qualified for the NCAA tournament four times.

"I appreciate how much Jim Roque loves Laker Hockey, and we thank him for what he has devoted to our program," stated LSSU Athletic Director Kris Dunbar. "I wish him the best, but at this time we are choosing to move in a different direction with our leadership."

Finding a new head coach won't be an easy task for Dunbar, either. LSSU is the smallest state college in Michigan, and finances will always be at the head of any discussion. Laker fans probably won't see an NHL caliber behind the bench at Taffy Abel Arena any time soon. To get the program back on a winning track, however, they will need to find a way to generate some funds. The first thing the Lakers will need, is a president who will back the hockey program 100%, and realize that a successful team on the ice may help to increase the enrollment. I admit, I'm not too familiar with new president Thomas Pleger, but he'll need to be on board if the Lakers are to see any success like they did in in the late '80's and early '90's.

The school will also need to reach out to their alumni. Back in the day, many former Lakers went on play hockey professionally, many in the NHL. Of all these players, only Doug Weight has given back, in the form of an endowment scholarship. There's really no reason for them not to pitch in, and help their alma mater regain some respect in the college hockey world. Even recently, three players off last year's squad left early to sign pro contracts. It will be critical to the program for them to give a little back to the school that helped get them to that level.

With the Laker rich hockey history, there are plenty of names out there with ties to the school, but unfortunately I doubt Doug Weight, Paul Jerrard, or Ron Rolston will be an option. It will be interesting to see where the search will take this program. Will Dunbar go with another Laker alumnus, or a young coach looking to make a name for himself?

One name the cold winds are blowing around the Soo is Rich Metro, who was an assistant under Roque from 2008-12. A Sault Ste. Marie native who played over at Northern Michigan, Metro left to become head coach and general manager of Villard de Lans in France. You really can't have a coaching job come along in the area without Joey Shawhan's name thrown in the hat, either. He's a Laker alumni, former assistant, and was very successful as head coach of the Soo Indians of the NAHL. Tim Christian has been an assistant for the Lakers for 12 seasons, and may be able to make a case for himself also. He's done a solid job of recruiting, as noted by the players leaving to sign pro contract. Just this week Kevin Czuczman left early to sign with the New York Islanders and goalie Kevin Kapalka signed with the Idaho Steelheads (ECHL). Christian has to take some credit for recruiting those types of players.

Whoever Pleger and Dunbar hire to captain the Lakers, fans and alumni can only hope they he can right the ship, and not into deadly waters. It's been exactly 20 years since the Lakers hoisted a National Championship trophy. While we really don't expect the program to be as dominant as it was during those glory years, being a competitive team in the WCHA is really not too much to ask for.

Lakers split with Seawolves

      

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers didn't gain any ground in the WCHA standing, after splitting a home series with the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves over the weekend.

Lake State got off to a good start to the series, with a 5-3 win on Friday. The Seawolves drew first blood, Colin Campbell tied the game at one in the first period while the Lakers were on the power-play.

The Lakers really started finding the back of the net in the second period, with goals by Ian Miller, Zach Sternberg, and Andrew Dommett. UAA netted another goal before Dan Radke notched a power-play marker in the closing minutes of the period.

The Seawolves added one more goal in the third, but Lake State and goalie Kevin Murdock held them the rest of the way. Murdock made 23 saved on the night. Freshman Alex Globke continued his success, racking up three assists on the night.

On Saturday night, the Seawolves turned the tables on the Lakers. They started the game by running  Murdock in net several times, and netted the first periods' lone goal.

UAA took the 2-0 lead in the second while Murdock was being interfered with, but the Lakers bounced back with a goal by Bryce Schmitt. The Seawolves where awarded their third goal by the officials, who watched the puck bounce over Murdock and not actually go into the net, because the net was well off it's moorings, but over the line, and must have decided it was close enough!

Tempers flared in the second period, as many infractions by the Seawolves went uncalled, especially goalie interference. This not only led to the Lakers losing their best defenseman in Kevin Czcuzcman, but actual power-plays for UAA! Alaska-Anchorage used the controversial situation to seize control of the game, 5-1.

The Lakers tried a comeback in the third period, with Stephen Perfetto tickling the twine just 34 seconds in the stanza. That would end the scoring, however, even after the Lakers pulled Murdock at the 3:47 mark. Murdock made 34 saves in the loss.

Lake State travels to Marquette next weekend, to take on U.P. rival Northern Michigan Wildcats.

Photos property of Michael David

Poor officiating dooms Lakers

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers not only battled the Bemidji State Beavers over the weekend, but some questionable WCHA officiating as well. The Beavers went 3 for 4 on the power play, en route to a 5-2 win over Lake State on Friday night.

Stephen Perfetto led the Lakers with a goal and an assist. He scored his team's second goal, and assisted on Zach Sternberg's first period marker.

In net, Kevin Kapalka made four saves, before leaving the game due to injury. Kevin Murdock came into the game making 35 saves to take the loss.

Saturday night, the Lakers completely dominated BSU in the first half of the game, out-shooting them 14-4 at one point, and taking a 1-0 lead on another goal by Perfetto.

At that point, it seemed a pretty steady stream of blue and gold heading to the penalty box (five penalties in teh second period alone...).

The Lakers were unable to mount any more offense while being hooked and held by the Beavers defense. This allowed the Beavers to score three unanswered goals for the 3-1 win, and the sweep.

Kevin Murdock made 21 saves in the loss for the Lakers, who travel down to Notre Dame to take on their former CCHA foes in non-conference action.

Photos property of Michael David

Bulldogs sweep away Lakers

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers and the Ferris State Bulldogs hooked up over the weekend in Sault Ste. Marie. The Lakers out-shot and out-played the 6th ranked Bulldogs in each game, but Ferris won the stat that means the most, the scoreboard.

On Friday night Ferris took advantage of a little puck luck, when a pass from behind the net bounced in off Laker goalie Kevin Kapalka. Corey Kane was credited with the goal. The Bulldogs took advantage of a shaken Kapalka, scoring two more goals in their next three shots. Garrett Thompson and Justin DeMartino were the goal scorers. Ferris looked like they put the game away early, when Gerald Mayhew scored a power play goal before the first period ended.

The two teams traded goals in the second period. Colin Campbell finally got the Lakers on the board with a power play marker. The Bulldogs responded ten minutes later with a goal by Matt Robertson. 

Lake State would dominate the third period, but were only able to get within two before running out of time. Kevin Czuczman scored on a blast from the point, and Eric Drapluk added a power play goal to wrap up the scoring.

Kapalka was pulled after giving up his third goal, but came back into the game beginning the second making 14 saves, and giving up four goals. Kevin Murdock made nine saves for the Lakers and gave up one goal. In net for Ferris, C.J. Motte stood on his head making 39 saves on the night. LSSU out-shot Ferris by a 42-28 margin.

On Saturday night, the Lakers fell again by the score of 3-1. The Bulldogs jumped to another early lead, with goals by DeMartino and Robertson in the first period.

LSSU scored it's only goal of the night in the second period, when freshman Alex Globke lit the lamp.

Ferris added an empty-netter in the third period by Thompson to secure the win. Kapalka was in net again for the Lakers, making 19 saves. Motte continued his resilience, making 36 saves for the Bulldogs. LSSU out-shot Ferris again 37-21.

The Lakers (9-6-1, 5-5 WCHA) travel up to Anchorage, Alaska to face the Sea Wolves for the first time in conference play. Ferris will play at Michigan this Wednesday, and at Michigan State on Saturday.

Photos taken by and property of Michael David

Roller Coaster week for Lakers

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The hockey week for the Lake Superior State Lakers started on Tuesday night, with an exhibition game against Laurentian University. The Lakers took it to the visiting Voyagers, with a 9-2 victory. Thirteen different Lakers recorded at least one point in the game, and were led by Eric Drapluk with one goal and three assists. Bryce Schmitt scored two goals, while Pete Spratte, Ian Miller, Alex Globke, and Chris Ciotti each had a goal and assist, respectively. Freshmen Nathan Harris and Gus Correalle each contributed a goal. In net, Kevin Kapalka started the game, keeping the visitors scoreless in his 30:07. He was replaced by Kevin Murdock, who allowed the two goals in the last minutes of the game. The Lakers were 2-5 with the extra man, while Laurentian was held off 0-2.

On Friday night the 12th ranked Lakers took the road to Madison, WI to face the Big Ten's Wisconsin Badgers. LSSU picked up where they left off on Tuesday, scoring their three goals in the first five minutes of the first period. Globke lit the lamp just 33 seconds into the game, followed by a power-play goal by Dan Radke, and Colin Campbell. The Lakers gave up one goal toward the end of the firs period, and the Badgers tied the game in the third period, including a late goal with the goalie pulled. After the scoreless overtime, the game went into a shootout. Lake State won that by the score of 3-2. Campbell, Andrew Perrault, and Stephen Perfetto scored the shootout goals. Kapalka stopped 41 shots for LSSU, who was 1-3 on the power play.

In Saturday's game, the Lakers were on the other side of a route, at the hands of the Badgers. The 8-1 drubbing is the LSSU's first loss of the season. Defenseman Kevin Czuczman scored the lone goal for Lake State in the second period. Kevin Murdock made 36 saves for the Lakers in net. Lake State was also 0-3 on the power play, while Wisconsin was 1-5.

The Lakers (4-1-1) will play their first WCHA league game next weekend at Taffy Abel Arena, as they host the Alaska Nanooks for Pink in the Rink, and Great Lake State Weekend.

Photos property of Michael David

Lakers jipped in opening exhibition

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

Taffy Abel Arena-Sault Ste. Marie, MI: The Lake Superior State Lakers started the 2013-'14 season on a sour note, dropping their opening exhibition game to the USA U18's by the score of 3-2. The Nationals took the early 1-0 lead, but Lake State quickly tied it with a tally by senior Dan Radke. The only assist was credited to Colin Campbell. 

USA took a 2-1 lead into the second, where there was no scoring. Senior net-minder Kevin Kapalka played the first 30:12 of the game, making 13 saves and giving up the two goals. Radke tied the game at 2 with a goal in the third period, with assists going to Campbell and  defenseman Zach Sternberg. It looked as if the game was destined for overtime, but the officials called two quick questionable penalties on the Lakers to put them two men down. LSSU made a gallant effort, but the Nationals slid one over the line for the 3-2 lead. Kevin Murdock was pulled from the Laker net in the final minute, but they couldn't find the equalizer.

Murdock also made 13 saves, and gave up the lone power-play goal. Lake State out-shot USA 41-29, and won the face off battle 32-25. The Lakers are back home next weekend, where they will face Atlantic Hockey's Robert Morris for parent's weekend to to honor the 1988 NCAA Championship team.

Local stand-out commits to LSSU

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan native Will Gauthier has made a verbal commitment to continue his hockey career at Lake Superior State University starting the 2015 season. The Laker coaches were excited to be able to offer this (scholarship) to a local player, and stated it's been quite awhile since a local kid had the potential to play at the Division 1 level. The fact that Will is only 17-years-old is also a testament to his skill as a player.

Will has spent his last two season suiting up for the Sault Area High School Blue Devils, where he led the team in scoring both seasons with over 30 points. Last season, he helped lead the team to a 22-9 finish, and runner-up in the state tournament (D3). The Blue Devils beat Flint Powers 4-3 in over-time, only to fall to Cranbrook the very next day 4-2. Cranbrook finished the season with only one loss, and was ranked as the #1 team in Michigan (all levels). Gauthier was named 1st Team All-State for Division 3 last season, and was named Most Valuable Player for the Blue Devils the last two seasons. A forward by trade, he also quarter-backs the power-play, where he's been known to find the back of the net from the point.

Gauthier plans to return to the Blue Devils line-up this coming season to finish out his senior year. After his commitment to Sault High is complete, he plans on tackling junior hockey in the form of the North American Hockey League or United States Hockey League, before starting his collegiate career for the Lakers in 2015. Sault Ste. Marie hosts the NAHL's Soo Eagles, so he might not have to look too far.

Although the 5'11", 150-pounder has no problem making plays or finding the net, his best attributes may be his hard work and determination. In the off-season, he hits the weights for three days while working on his cardio for two. During the summer months, he still hits the ice at least three days out of the week, and also plays on the local tournament team before the high school season begins.

It will be fun to watch Will's game over the next couple of seasons, both in high school and juniors, and see how he progresses to the Division 1 level in the WCHA.

Photos courtesy of the Gauthier Family

Past, present and future collide in the Soo

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

When the CCHA brackets were announced and I read that the Lake Superior State Lakers would host the Bowling Green State Falcons in the first round of the playoffs, I was a little disappointed at first. I thought I would rather see a team that wouldn't be in the same league as Lake State next season. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized the Lakers and Falcons fighting for the right to move on for a chance to play at 'The Joe' is pretty poetic. After all, the Falcons are a founding member of the league and the two schools have had plenty of battles over the years and will have more in the years to come. Both programs represented the CCHA well. Bowling Green has won seven regular season championships, five playoff championships and one national championship. Lake Superior has won four regular season championships, four playoff championships and five national championships under the CCHA banner.

This past weekend, however, went the way of the Falcons. In game one of the series on Friday, the Lakers blanked Bowling Green by the score of 2-0. After a scoreless first period, Laker captain Dominic Monardo ripped a shot that put his team up 1-0. Eric Drapluk and Dan Radke assisted on Monardo's goal. Just two minutes later, Bryce Schmitt scored with help from Zach Sternberg and Nick McParland. The two goals was all the Lakers would need, as Kevin Kapalka earned the shutout with 31 saves. LSSU was 0-for-3 on the power-play, while BGSU was 0-for-2.

The next two games of the series, the Lakers would be embarrassed on their home ice. Bowling Green came back to even the series 1-1, with a big 6-3 win Saturday night. The Lakers would actually draw first blood, with Drapluk scoring a power-play goal in the first period, assisted by Kevin Czuczman. With BG up 3-1 in the second, Drapluk would find the net again, this time assisted by McParland and Colin Campbell. Down, 5-2, Campbell would score the last Laker goal, on the power-play, assisted by Radke and Sternberg. Kevin Murdock took the loss, making 17 saves in two periods of work. Kapalka played out the third, making nine saves in relief. LSSU was 2-6 with the extra man, while BG was 0-4. Game three was even uglier for the royal blue and gold, getting dominated by the score of 7-0. Kapalka took the loss, making 26 saves. Lakers were were 0-4 on the power-play, while the Falcons went 1-6.

The Lakers season comes to an end with a disappointing 17-21-1 record, just 11-16-1-1 in the last season of CCHA play. Lake State will look for retribution next season on November 29-30 as they will host Bowling Green under the WCHA banner. Both teams will be competing for the WCHA's MacNaughton Cup for the regular season championship and the Broadmoor Trophy for the playoff champion. While I'll miss what the CCHA was back in the 80's and 90's, I won't really miss what it became. I'm truly thankful for what I call poor officiating, the three-point wins and gimmicky shoot-outs will be a thing of the past...

Photos courtesy of Michael David

Lakers sweep Nanooks in the Soo

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers were looking for a spark to help break thier four-game losing streak with the Alaska Nanooks on town. They may have found it in forward Colin Campbell, who, coming off injury, played his first shift of the season. It took only nine seconds of that first shift to find line-mate Kellan Lain streaking down the middle and get the puck to him. Lain popped it into the half-empty net, making the score 1-0 Lakers. Nick McParland also assisted on the goal. Just under a minute later, defenseman Zach Sternberg ripped a shot from the right circle to help his team build a 2-0 lead. Forwards Buddy Robinson and Ben Power assisted on Sternberg's goal. The Lakers would lose some of their momentum, giving up a short-handed goal two minutes later to the Nanooks.

Lake State would build a 3-1 lead half-way through the second period, however, when captain Dominic Monardo banged home a tally assisted by his Dan Radke and Chris Ciotti.

The Lakers would keeping building their lead in the third period, also. Robinson scored a goal of his own to make it 4-1, assisted by defensmen Matt Bruneteau and Andrew Perrault. Monardo would wrap up the game's scoring with his second goal just 30 seconds after Robinson's. Sternberg and Power assisted on the goal to put the Lakers up 5-1.

LSSU killed all of Alaska's seven power-plays, and were 0-6 themselves. Junior netminder Kevin Murdock made 46 saves for the Lakers to earn his ninth win of the season.

Saturday night the Lakers got on the scoreboard early, also. Freshman scored his second goal up the season, unassisted, to put Lake State up 1-0. Alaska would score it's only power-play goal of the weekend, to tie the score up at one.

In the second stanza, Monardo would score his third goal of the weekend, with assists going to Radke and Bruneteau. The game-winner came from Bruneteau, when he drilled a shot just inside the blue-line that found it's way into the Nanook net.

Alaska would make things interesting in the third period, scoring to cut the Laker lead to 3-2. Lake State held tough, however, and Stephen Perfetto would score the empty-netter to seal the deal 4-2. Defensman Perreault and Kevin Czuczman assisted on the empty-net goal.

The Lakers were 0-3 with the man advantage, but held Alaska to 1-7. Junior goalie Kevin Kapalka made 33 saves for Lake State for his sixth win of the season. The Lakers(15-16-1, 10-13-1-1 CCHA) stay in league competition next weekend, as they host the Miami Redhawks.

Photos property of Michael David

Lakers sweep 13th ranked Dutchmen

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

It's your classic case of the irritable force vs the immovable object. The Union Dutchmen skated into Sault Ste. Marie with Division I hockey's best power-play percentage at 26.8. The Lake Superior State Lakers were on a run of 24 straight penalties killed. Either way, something was gonna give in this series...

Friday night the Lakers jumped out to a 1-0 lead early in the first. Forward Dan Radke received a pass into the Union zone from captain Dominic Monardo. Radke dumped off to defensman Zach Sternberg, who shot a laser into the Dutchman net Han Solo would be proud of. Union would score a goal of it's own, however, just 79 seconds later to tie the score at 1. The game-winner would come at the 12:08 mark of the first. Center Kellan Lain won the face in the Dutchmen zone, that Monardo shot through traffic and found the back of the net.

About half-way through the second period, the Lakers would extent their lead to 3-1, on a fantastic individual effort by Buddy Robinson, who used his size and skill to go to the net for the score. Assists went to senior Nick McParland and defenseman Andrew Perrault.

The Dutchmen pulled their goalie late in the third, but McParland snagged the puck and put the game away with the empty-net goal to make the final score 4-1. Robinson earned the only assist.

The Lakers killed off all five power-plays, to extend their streak to 29. LSSU was 0-2 with the man advantage themselves. Junior Kevin Kapalka made 22 saves on the night to earn the win.

Saturday night, it was Union who drew first blood, and stopped the Lakers penalty-killing streak. The Dutchmen made it 1-0 at 8:10 of the second period to end the streak at an impressive 31 kills. The Lakers didn't hang their heads, however. They tied the game at one just minutes later when Andrew Dommett scored his first collegiate goal. Defenseman Kevin Czuczman drew the only assist.

Lake State wasted little time in the third period, either, as Monardo would score the his second game winner in as many nights to put his team up 2-1 just 42 second in. McParland and Radke earned the assists on the play. Buddy Robinson would also score his second goal of the weekend, this time it was the Lakers first short-handed goal of the season. Perrault intercepted a Dutchmen pass, and set up Robinson for the break-away.

LSSU still held Union 1-6 on the power-play, while they went 1-4. Junior Kevin Murdock made 28 saves in the Laker net, to earn the 3-1 victory.

The Lakers (12-10-0, 7-7-0 CCHA) are back in CCHA action next weekend in Kalamazoo, when they face another ranked team in the tough Western Michigan Broncos.

Lakers trend continues in Alaska

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

One could argue that the Lake Superior State Lakers are still winless on Saturdays, as technically their 4-2 victory over the Alaska Nanooks came early Sunday morning. But, hey, the Lakers will take the win since their trend of splitting series this season continues after dropping Friday night's (Saturday morning) game 3-1.

Friday night, the Lakers jumped out to a 1-0 on a goal by Chris Ciotti. He was set up by Dominic Monardo who took a return pass from defenseman Zach Loesch, then circled the net and dumped the puck out front of the net where Ciotti tucked it inside the right post.

Both teams played to a stalemate in the second period, before Alaska started his comeback in the third. Lake State was victim of a bit of bad luck, as Nanook forward Colton Parayko threw the puck in front of the net, and was deflected in off defenseman Kevin Czuczman's skate past net minder Kevin Murdock. 

Alaska would score a power-play goal with just under two minutes left in the game to take the 2-1 lead and break some Laker hearts. Murdock made 37 saves in the loss, as LSSU was out-shot 17-4 in the final stanza.

"I thought Kevin Murdock played a great game, are really good road game for us", Laker coach Jim Roque told the Fairbanks Daily-News Miner. 

Saturday night, or Sunday morning, Murdock faced 50 shots and made 48 saves in backstopping the Lakers 4-2 win.

Lake State jumped out to another early lead, when Monardo banged in a power-play goal in the first period. Czuzcman and freshman Eric Drapluk earned the assist.

The Lakers would take a 2-0 lead in the second period, when Dan Radke scored the first of his two goals with assists from Drapluk and Nick McParland. 

In the third, Czuczman got a bit of retribution, scoring the eventual winning goal on a bomb from the point setup by freshman Bryce Schmitt. Alaska refused to quit, however, and scored two goal less than four minutes apart to make the game interesting at 3-2.

Murdock stood tall, and Radke would add an empty-netter to secure the win. Monardo and Andrew Perrault assisted on Radke's second goal.

The Lakers were 1-4 on the power-play, while blanking the Nanooks 0-4. Next weekend LSSU (4-4, 2-2  CCHA) will host last season's NCCA Championship Runners-Up, the Ferris State Bulldogs. It will be the annual 'pink in the rink' to help battle breast cancer.

Lakers, Spartans split on Homecoming Weekend

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

A busy weekend in Sault Ste. Marie began with the first ever Lake Superior State homecoming parade and pep-rally Friday night. 

The Lakers would then go on beat the Michigan State Spartans 3-2. MSU would win the rubber-match on Saturday by holding off the Lakers 4-2.

Friday night both teams played solid defense to keep the game scoreless after one period of play. In the second, the Lakers would get on the board with a power-play goal by Ben Power. Zack Sternberg and Dan Radke would get the assists. Lake State then extended their lead when Nick McParland scored a nice goal assisted by defenseman Kevin Czuczman. The Spartans would cut the lead in half with a power-play goal of their own by Tanner Sorenson. Lee Reimer and Brent Darnell were credited with the assists.

The Lakers lost also lost their goalie, Kevin Kapalka, on the scoring play, who left the game with an apparent shoulder injury. He was replaced by junior net minder Kevin Murdock.

The Lakers would add one more before the second period came to an end. Exactly one second before. The Lakers solid fore-checking wouldn't allow the Spartans to clear the puck, which ultimately ended up on the stick of Chris Ciotti, who was able to back-hand it into the net. Sternberg and Buddy Robinson assisted on the last-second goal.

Michigan State would close the gap in the third period, when Anthony Hayes scored to make it 3-2. His goals was assisted by R.J. Boyd and Chris Forfar. The Spartans were unable to find the equalizer, and Lake State held on for the win. Kapalka made 17 saves for his effort, and Murdock stopped 5 and picked up the victory.

MSU was 1-5 on the power-play, while LSSU was 2-4.  

Will Yanakeff made 26 saves in net for the Spartans.

Saturday night Michigan State steady stream of blue in the penalty box to secure the 4-2 win. They got on the board early in the first, scoring with the extra man with a goal by John Draeger, and assited by Sorenson and Travis Walsh.

MSU extended their lead in the second, with another power-play goal by Sorenson. Reimer and Matt Berry earned the assists. LSSU finally got on the board to cut the lead to 2-1 when Ciotti scored another late-period goal, assisted by Robinson.

The Spartans kept their power-play attack hot, when Berry scored early third period goal assited by Greg Wolfe and Matt DeBlouw. MSU's fourth goal, the only one scored without the extra man, was scored by Hayes. Draeger and Justin Hoomainn got the assists. The Lakers scored late in the third to cut the lead in half, but were unable to pop in a couple of more. Steven Perfetto scored the Laker goal assisted by Sternberg and Power.

Murdock stayed in net for the Lakers, making 33 saves in the loss. Jake Hildebrand made 28 saves in the Spartan net.

LSSU was 0-4 on the power play, and MSU was 3-6.

The Lakers (3-3-0, 1-1-0 CCHA) travel up to Alaska to take on the Nanooks next weekend. The Spartans (2-3-1, 1-1-0 CCHA) have a home-and-home series with Bowling Green.

Lakers split at Bemidji

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers continued their 'Jeckyl and Hyde' ways over the weekend, shutting out the Bemidji State Beavers 2-0 on Friday, before falling 0-5 on Saturday.

Friday nights game was a net minders duel right until the end. The score was 0-0 until Laker forward Chris Ciotti scored an un-assisted power play goal with only four minutes left in the game. BSU would pull their goalie, but that gave captain Dominic Monardo the chance to score his second goal of the year into an empty net. Defenseman Andrew Perrault would earn the only assist. In net, Kevin Kapalka made 27 saves for the win and shut-out.

Saturday night the Lakers scoring woes continued, but the Beavers found the net in the second and third periods to cruise to the 5-0 win. The Lakers were 0 for 2 on the power play, and Kapalka made 24 saves.

Lake State (2-2-0) will have to find their offense in a hurry, as they host Michigan State next weekend for homecoming.

Photo courtesy of the Bemidji Pioneer

Lakers down Huskies in Home Opener

By Micheal David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers won their official home opener against U.P. rival and future WCHA foe, the Michigan Tech Huskies, 4-2 Thursday night. LSSU jumped on the board just 41 seconds into the game, when sophomore Kellan Lain shot the puck past MTU netminder Phoenix Copley. Senior captain Dominic Monardo would earn the only assist. The Lakers were given a five minute power play in the first also, but were unable to mount much offense from it.

In the second period, the Huskies took advantage of the Lakers inability to clear the puck, and slid a goal past Kevin Kapalka. Blake Pietila would get the goal, assisted by Milos Gordic and Tanner Kero. The Huskies would seize the momentum from there, and Kapalka was called upon to make some nice saves as Tech racked up the shots.

MTU would  take the lead early in the third period, with a power play goal by Dennis Rix. The Lakers would answer back just minutes later when Stephen Perfetto scored a nice goal set up by Lain and freshman Zach Loesch. Lake State then took a 3-2 lead when they finally broke through on the power play with Nick McParland getting the goal. Zach Sternberg and Chris Ciotti would earn the assists. The Lakers would add an insurance goal at the 15:31 mark, when freshman Eric Drapluk scored his first collegiate goal, with the assists going to Perfetto and Monardo.

The Lakers would end up 1-for-6 on the power play, while the Huskies were 1-for-5. In net, Copley made 18 saves for MTU, while Kapalka made 31. In all, this was a solid effort by both teams and a hard hitting game. It should make for an exciting re-match, as the Huskies host the Lakers Saturday night in Houghton at the McInnes Student Ice Arena.

Lakers squeak past Ryerson

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers kicked off the 2012-13 campaign with a 2-1 exhibition win over the Ryerson University Rams. The first period ended in a 0-0 tie, with both net minders making some great saves and pucks getting stuck on the goal line and being pounded off the posts.

The Lakers finally broke into the score column when Chris Ciotti snuck a shot on the far side to light the lamp. Defenseman Zach Sternberg was credited with the only assist. The Rams would tie the game on a power play game about two minutes later to make it 1-1.

After killing off some penalties in the third period, Dan Radke banged in a rebound at the 12:21 mark to take the 2-1 lead. Captain Dominic Monardo and freshman Austin McKay earned the assists. The Lakers were able to hold off the Rams the rest of the way, even after the goalie was pulled.

In net, Kevin Kapalka went the distance making 26 saves on the night including a break-away stop. The Lakers will host the tough Michigan Tech Huskies next Thrusday night at the Taffy Abel Arena. Both LSSU and MTU will be skating in the WCHA next season.

'92 Lakers unducted into LSSU Hall of Fame

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

Last weekend the members of the 1992 NCAA National Championship team were inducted into the Lake Superior State University Hall of Fame. The '92 Lakers defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 5-3 in the Frozen Four final to take the NCAA crown back to Sault Ste. Marie. Pictured, are members of the team playing in a Alumni game against other Lakers from the past. Skating for the 'champs', were the likes of Mark Astley, John Hendry, Sandy Moger, Rob Valicevic, Brad Willner, Jim Peters, Mike Smith, and Dan Angelleli. Also returning for the ceremony, were head coach Jeff Jackson and assistant coach Paul Pooley. Laker netminder Darrin Madeley was also in attendance, but did not arrive in time to participate in the game. I did have a chance to speak with him, though, and he's still one of the nicest guys in hockey.

Lakers advance with sweep of Alaska

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers advance to the second round of the CCHA Playoffs with a sweep of the Alaska Nanooks this weekend. LSSU held on to the 4-3 lead on Fridady, and shut out UAF 2-0 on Saturday.

Friday night the Lakers were down 1-0 early, but Dominic Mondaro's power play goal late tied the score. Assists went to junior forward Nick McParland and sophomore forward Kyle Jean. The Lakers would take a 2-1 lead with just .39 seconds remaining in the opening stanza when junior defenseman Zach Trotman jumped into the play and his shot from just above the circle found the back of the net. Jean and McParland drew their second assists of the night.

The Lakers scored the lone goal of the second period. Freshman forward Buddy Robinson banged the puck in the net after he recieved a nice feed from Ben Power, who dug it out of the corner.

The Nanooks came out in the third period and scored just .14 seconds in, to make the score 3-2. The Lakers would re-take the two goal lead just .46 seconds later, though, when Kellan Lain knocked a rebound in the net on a goal assisted by freshman forward Stephen Perfetto. UAF kept fighting, though, and scored a goal after pulling their goalie for the extra attacker. They were unable to net the tying goal, and the Lakers held on for the win.

Sophomore goalie Kevin Kapalka stopped 36 shots for LSSU, and both team were 1-4 on the power play.

Saturday night, it was the Lakers who jumped on the board first. Freshman forward Chris Ciotti scored and early first period goal assisted by McParland.

Neither team could find the net in the second, and Lake State scored an empty net goal to secure the win. Senior defenseman Kyle Haines was credited with the unassisted goal.

LSSU was 0-5 on the power play, while the Nanooks were 0-4. Kapalka was solid again in net, and made another 36 saves for his second shut out of the season.

The Lakers (18-15-5) travel to Kalamazoo next weekend to face the Western Michigan Broncos in the next round.

Lakers and Broncos split in the Sault

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers and the Western Michigan Broncos split a pair of games in Sault Ste. Marie, both earning valuable points in the tight CCHA race. Western squeaked out a 3-1 win on Friday, while LSSU held on for the 3-2 victory on Saturday.

On Friday night, the Broncos took a 1-0 lead in the first period on a goal by Dane Walters. Later in the period, they would go up 2-0 on a power play goal by Chase Balisy. The Lakers would cut the lead in half in the second period. Sophomore forward Kellan Lain notched a power play goal with assists going to sophomore forward Colin Campbell and senior defenseman Kyle Haines. Western would secure the win in the third period, taking advantage of the man advantage after a Bronco players Oscar winning performance sent Lane to the penalty box. Will Kessel was credited for the goal for the Broncos.

Sophomore goalie Kevin Kapalka made 22 saves for Lake State. The Lakers were 1-4 on the power play, while Western was 2-5.

Saturday night, the Broncos would take another early lead in the first period when Greg Squires shot found the back of the net. The Lakers would waste little time, though, tying the game at one with a power play goal by Campbell. Assists went to senior captain Fred Cassiani and sophomore forward Dan Radke. Cassiani would help the LSSU take a 2-1 lead in the second, when he set up freshman forward Stephan Perfetto on a perfectly executed 2-on-1 while playing short handed.

Lake State would take a 3-1 lead early in the third, when Radke cashed in on a power play goal of his own, assisted by Cassiani and Campbell. The Broncos would make things interesting, when a Balisy shot snuck through Kapalka and slid just over the goal line. Western hooked, held, slashed, and tackled the Lakers through out the final ten minutes, but were unable to net the equalizer. Kapalka made several key saves, and Haines would block a handful of shots for LSSU.

Kapalka ended the game with 39 saves for his 15th win of the season. Frank Slubowski made 16 saves in net for the Broncos.

It was a big night for Casianni and Haines, as LSSU celebrated Senior Night. Kyle Pobar and Brian Cooper were also honored in the post game ceremony.

The Lakers (16-13-5/11-11-4-4 CCHA) travel to Marquette next weekend to face the always tough Northern Michigan Wildcats in the regular season finale'.

Lakers settle for split in Alaska

By Michael David/LSSU Beat Writer

The Lake Superior State Lakers had a golden opportunity to gain some points in the CCHA standings this weekend, playing up in Fairbanks, Alaska against the tenth place Nanooks. LSSU won Friday night by the score of 4-2, but failed to complete the sweep, falling 3-2 on Saturday night.

Friday night, the Lakers were down 1-0 early in the first period, but Kyle Jean tied the game with a goal assisted by junior forwards Domenic Mondardo and Nick McParland. McParlands would give the Lakers a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission, when he found the back of the net. Jean and freshman defenseman Kevin Czuczman earned the assists.

LSSU added to it's lead in the second period, when Monardo scored a power play goal assisted by sophomore forwards Colin Campbell and Dan Radke. Monardo's goal would prove to be the game winner. UAF cut the lead to 3-2 early in the third period, but the Lakers scored the capper on a blast from the point by senior Kyle Haines. Campbell and Radke teamed up for the assists once again.

Kevin Kapalka was in net for the Lakers, making 27 saves on the night. LSSU was 2 for 5 with the extra man, while the Nanooks were 2 for 6.

Saturday night, the Lakers found themselves in another hole, finding themselves down 2-0 after the first period. Kapalka gave up both goals, and was replaced by fellow sophomore Kevin Murdock to begin the second period.

Lake State would make it's comeback in the second period, too, when junior defenseman Zach Trotman scored a power-play goal assisted by Mondardo and sophomore forward Kellan Lain early in the period. The Lakers would tie the game when Chris Ciotti netted a goal assisted by freshman forward Stephen Perfetto and Zach Sternberg.

That would be the end of the Laker comeback, though, as the Nanooks banged a rebound past Murdock for the only goal of the third period to secure the 3-2 win. Murdock made 23 saves in the loss. LSSU was 1 for 5 on the power-play, and the Nanooks 2 for 5.

The Lakers (15-12-4/10-10-4-4 CCHA) host the Western Michigan Broncos in their final regular season home series at Taffey Abel Arena this season. The fifth place Lakers trail the second place Broncos by only four points in the CCHA standings.