MiCHO Week 8 Results

The Michigan Tech Huskies are the only remaining unbeaten D-1
team in the country. (photo courtesy Bemidji State Athletics) 

The Michigan Tech Huskies are #1 for the first time in their storied history after a two-game sweep at Bemidji State.

Friday- MTU 2, BSU 1
Saturday- MTU 4, BSU 2

Ferris State got a pair of easy wins in Big Rapids as they racked up 14 goals in a demolition of Alaska-Anchorage.

Friday- UAA 2, FSU 10
Saturday- UAA 0, FSU 4

Lake Superior went south and earned a split at Alabama-Huntsville.

Fri- LSSU 1, UAH 0
Sat- LSSU 2, UAH 5

It's back to the win column for the Michigan Wolverines after a home sweep of American International in Ann Arbor.

Fri- AI 2, U of M 5
Sat- AI 3, U of M 6

Michigan State played a single game in East Lansing and were narrowly clipped by the BC Eagles.

Fri- BC 3, MSU 2

And finally, Western Michigan made it interesting against St. Cloud State in Kalamazoo with a close loss and shootout win.

Fri- SCS 4, WMU 3
Sat- SCS 1, WMU 1 (Broncos win shootout, 1-0, in 6 rounds) 

MiCHO Week 4 Results

The Michigan State Spartans began the new season with a 5-3 win over UMass in East Lansing.
(photo courtesy of Rey Del Rio/MSU Athletic Communications)

#10 Michigan rallied at Yost for a two-game split with visiting New Hampshire.

Friday recap -  UNH 5, U of M 1
Saturday recap - UNH 1, U of M 2

The Northern Michigan Wildcats opened their season with a bang as they swept the #18 Wisconsin Badgers at the Resch Center in Green Bay.

Friday recap - NMU 2, U of W 0
Saturday recap - NMU 4, U of W 1

Michigan State began the campaign with a split at Munn against Massachusetts.

Friday recap - UMass 3, MSU 5
Saturday recap - UMass 4, MSU 3

There was no joy at the Lawson Arena as the WMU Broncos were swept aside by Nebraska-Omaha.

Friday recap - UNO 5, WMU 2
Saturday recap - UNO 3, WMU 0

#4 Ferris State went on the road and split with St. Lawrence in Canton, NY.

Friday recap - FSU 3, St. Lawrence 2
Saturday recap - FSU 0, St. Lawrence 2

Lake Superior is still searching for their first win of the year as they hammered by Notre Dame in South Bend.

Friday recap - LSSU 3, ND 5
Saturday recap - LSSU 1, ND 5

MiCHO Week 3 Results

Ferris State beat up Wilfrid Laurier in Big Rapids on Friday. (Photo courtesy of FSU Athletics)

#9 Michigan shoots past Wilfrid Laurier, 5-2, in the Wolverine's final exhibition game in Ann Arbor.
Thursday recap-  UofM

Western Michigan and Canisius split a pair at the First Niagara Center.
Friday recaps - Canisius 4, WMU 2
Saturday recaps - WMU 4, Canisius 1

Lake Superior falls to 0-4 after getting swept on the road at Robert Morris.
Friday recaps-  RMU 3, LSSU 1     USCHO
Saturday recaps- RMU 3, LSSU 0     USCHO

The eighth ranked Bulldogs hammer Wilfrid Laurier, 4-1, in their final tune-up game at Ewigleben.
Saturday recap - FSU

New coach knows Lakers tradition

Over 20 years ago, Damon Whitten sat in Lake Superior State’s Taffy Abel Arena awaiting an offer from then-head coach Jeff Jackson to play for the Lakers.

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.

WCHA announces 2013-2014 honors

WCHA Press Release

 

MADISON, Wis. – University of Alaska forward Cody Kunyk was chosen as Western Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year and the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Chad Brears earned WCHA Outstanding-Student Athlete of the Year honors to highlight 2013-14 men’s awards announced by the conference today.

 

The league’s five other major individual awards went to University of Alaska defenseman Colton Parayko as WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, Lake Superior State University forward Alex Globke as WCHA Rookie of the Year, Alaska’s Cody Kunyk as WCHA Scoring Champion, Minnesota State University’s Cole Huggins as WCHA Goaltending Champion, and Bob Daniels of Ferris State University as WCHA Coach of the Year.

 

Kunyk (Sherwood Park, AB) finished the regular season of his senior campaign as the WCHA scoring champion, accruing 34 points on 17 goals and 17 assists in Alaska’s 28 conference games. In the 34-game regular-season schedule, he scored a single-season career-high 42 points with a WCHA-high 22 goals to go with 20 assists. Also named to the All-WCHA First Team and to the WCHA All-Academic Team, Kunyk has recorded five multiple-goal outings this season, including a career-best four goals in the Nanooks’ victory over Alaska Anchorage on March 7. That mark was achieved by only three other collegians during the 2013-14 year. He leads the nation with seven game-winning goals, scored six power-play and two shorthanded goals and owns a stellar +14 plus/minus rating. Kunyk currently ranks 13th all-time on the program’s scoring list with 132 points (60g, 72a) in 145 career games.

 

Brears (Cold Lake, AB), a forward at Alabama Huntsville, was chosen by member team Faculty Representatives as WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year. Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Brears has maintained a 4.0 GPA in one of the institution’s most difficult degree programs and despite the constant demands of being a student-athlete and the extensive travel involved as a member of the Chargers’ hockey team. He earned WCHA Scholar-Athlete honors in mid-February, is a member of the WCHA All-Academic Team, and is one of his team’s leaders both on and off the ice. He is an enthusiastic participant in mentoring activities with local school children and an all-around great representative of the ethos of college hockey. In 35 games played this season, Brears tied for third on the team in points with 10 and was second on the team in goals scored with six. Brears’ on-ice moment of the year came at Bemidji State on Feb. 28 when he fed a pretty pass to Jack Prince who scored the game-winning goal for a key road victory over a long-time rival. The WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year Award is determined from nominations made by the member institutions and each institution then has one final vote.

 

The league’s 10 head coaches voted Alaska defenseman Colton Parayko (St. Albert, AB) as the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year. An All-WCHA First Team selection as just a sophomore, Parayko finished his second collegiate season as one of the leading offensive defenseman in the league, ranking tied for third with 18 points (4g, 14a) in the 28-game league slate. In Alaska’s 34 regular-season outings, he tallied 23 points (4g, 19a) and led all defenders with 19 assists. Defensively, he is always matched up against the opponents’ top lines and is a leader in ice time. He blocked a nation’s second-best 2.65 blocks per game (90) and owns a standout +17 plus/minus rating. Then Nanooks went 13-5-0 when he recorded at least one point, compared to their 4-8-4 mark when he went without a point. He has had five multiple-point outings during the season and has scored all four of his goals on the power-play.

 

Honored by voters as the WCHA Rookie of the Year for 2013-14 is Lake Superior State University forward Alex Globke, who also earned All-WCHA Rookie Team accolades. Globke (Waterford, MI), who produced 31 points (12g, 19a) to lead the Lakers and played in all 36 games, was one of his club’s most consistent offensive players. As a freshman among a senior-laden squad, Globke produced points at a rapid pace. He lead the WCHA in freshman goals, assists, and points. He currently sits tied for seventh nationally in rookie scoring, while also finishing eighth in overall conference scoring. Globke also finished tied for sixth in overall assists in league play. He produced like an experienced veteran and helped anchor one of the most effective lines in the league with seniors Colin Campbell and Dan Radke. With center Radke out for two straight weeks and gone from the top line, Globke added four assists over the four games against conference foes Michigan Tech and Bemidji State. He has been named conference Rookie of the Week. Globke began his collegiate career with 15 points in his first 12 games including seven in his first six.

 

The WCHA Scoring Champion for 2013-14 is Alaska’s Cody Kunyk while the league goaltending champion is Minnesota State University rookie Cole Huggins. Huggins (Centennial, CO), who has three shutouts in his last four games played heading into the playoffs, owns an overall 17-7-1 won-loss record, a 1.96 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. He has started 15 of the last 17 games for the Mavericks, ranks ninth in the nation in goals-against average, 27th in save percentage and his school-record tying five shutouts on the year is tied for third. Huggins led the league with a 1.73 goals-against average and .794 winning percentage (he was 17-4-1 in league games), tied for the league lead with a .927 save percentage and was named WCHA Rookie of the Week following MSU’s games with Bowling Green (Nov. 15-16) and WCHA Defensive Player of the Week after the Mavericks earned a league road sweep at Lake Superior State (Feb. 28-March 1). He had a career-high 33 saves in 1-0 shutout victory vs. Bowling Green Nov. 9.

 

Chosen as the WCHA Coach of the Year is Bob Daniels of Ferris State University, who led the Bulldogs to the regular season title as first-year league members. In the midst of his 22nd season at the helm and a two-time National Coach of the Year Award recipient, Daniels led the Bulldogs to their second conference championship in the last three years as FSU became only the third program ever to win both the WCHA and the former Central Collegiate Hockey Association titles. The Bulldogs led the league race from wire-to-wire in claiming the fabled MacNaughton Cup and securing the number one seed for the league playoffs. During the 2013-14 season, the Bulldogs established a new school record under Daniels with a nation-leading 16-game unbeaten streak, which lasted from late October until early January. Ferris State did not drop a conference game until the middle of January and the Bulldogs finished the regular-season with a first-place 20-6-2 league slate.

 

Under Daniels’ leadership, Ferris State has compiled a nation-leading 25 wins (25-9-3), the fourth most in school history, and the Bulldogs own one of the country’s top marks on home ice with a 14-1-1 record inside the Ewigleben Ice Arena. FSU, ranked as high as second and among the nation’s top 10 teams each of the last 15 weeks, went unbeaten at home (13-0-1) in conference action and posted its sixth-straight season with increased home attendance. This season’s average of 2,141 fans per game was its best in 32 years. Additionally, Ferris State is also presently sixth in the national PairWise and RPI rankings with the Bulldogs eyeing their third overall NCAA Tournament bid, including the second in three seasons following the memorable 2011-12 run to the national championship game at the NCAA Frozen Four.

 

Four conference teams – Alaska, Alaska Anchorage, Ferris State and Minnesota State – are represented on the All-WCHA First Team, with both the Nanooks and the Mavericks having two honorees each. Named to the All-WCHA First Team, with statistics for league games, were forwards Cody Kunyk (Sr., Alaska, 28 gp, 17-17=34), Matt Bailey (Sr., Alaska Anchorage, 28 gp, 12- 15=27), and Matt Leitner (Jr., Minnesota State, 26 gp, 8-25=33), defensemen Colton Parayko (So., Alaska, 28 gp, 4-14=18) and Zach Palmquist (Jr., Minnesota State, 28 gp, 3-16=19), and goaltender C.J. Motte (Jr., Ferris State, 19-6-2, 2.29, .927).

 

Voted to the All-WCHA Second Team were forwards Jean- Paul Lafontaine (Jr., Minnesota State, 28 gp, 16-16=32), Colton Beck (Sr., Alaska, 28 gp, 11-19=30) and Garrett Thompson (Sr., Ferris State, 28 gp, 11-7=18), defensemen Scott Czarnowczan (Sr., Ferris State, 28 gp, 4-13=17) and Kevin Czuczman (Jr., Lake Superior State, 28 gp, 6-9=15) and goaltender Cole Huggins (Fr., Minnesota State, 17-4-1, 1.73, .927).

 

Named to the All-WCHA Third Team for 2013-14 were forwards Tyler Morley (So., Alaska, 25 gp, 15-14=29), Zach Lehrke (Sr., Minnesota State, 24 gp, 7-18=25) and Johnny McInnis (Sr., Minnesota State, 28 gp, 17-11=28), defensemen Matt Prapavessis (Jr., Bemidji State, 28 gp, 5-12=17) and Jason Binkley (Jr., Ferris State, 26 gp, 2-16=18), and goaltender Kevin Kapalka (Sr., Lake Superior State, 8-9-0, 2.62, .924).

 

And voted to the All-WCHA Rookie Team were forwards Alex Globke (Fr., Lake Superior State, 28 gp, 9-12=21), Marcus Basara (Fr., Alaska, 28 gp, 9-12=21) and Kyle Schempp (Fr., Ferris State, 28 gp, 6-12=18), defensemen Shane Hanna (Fr., Michigan Tech, 28 gp, 4-18=22), Ruslan Pedan (Fr., Bemidji State, 28 gp, 3-8=11) and Sean Flanagan (Fr., Minnesota State, 24 gp, 5-6=11), and goaltender Cole Huggins (Fr., Minnesota State, 17-4-1, 1.73, .927).

 

A repeat all-league honoree from 2012-13 was forward Matt Leitner of Minnesota State, who was an All-WCHA First Team selection this season after being All-WCHA Third Team a season ago. Alaska forward Cody Kunyk, who was an All-WCHA First Team choice, was an All-CCHA Second Team honoree in 2011-12 while Nanooks’ forward Tyler Morley, who was All-WCHA Third Team, was a member of the All-CCHA Rookie Team in 2012-13. And Lake Superior goaltender Kevin Kapalka, an All-WCHA Third Team selection, was named to the All-CCHA Rookie Team in 2010-11.

 

Seven players who were named as major award winners and/or to this season’s all-league teams were also honored as WCHA Scholar-Athletes for 2013-14 back on Feb. 13. They were forward Chad Brears of Alabama Huntsville (WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year), forward Matt Bailey of Alaska Anchorage (All-WCHA First Team), defenseman Colton Parayko of Alaska (WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, All-WCHA First Team), Bemidji State defenseman Matt Prapavessis (All-WCHA Third Team), Ferris State defenseman Jason Binkley (All-WCHA Third Team), Lake Superior State defenseman Kevin Czuczman (All-WCHA Second Team) and Lakers’ goaltender Kevin Kapalka (All-WCHA Third Team). To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar- Athlete, student-athletes must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his or her present institution.

 

Major award winners and/or members named to all-league teams who were also earned 2013-14 WCHA All-Academic Team honors were: Chad Brears of Alabama Huntsville (WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year), Matt Bailey of Alaska Anchorage (All-WCHA First Team), Alaska’s Colton Beck (All- WCHA Second Team), Cody Kunyk (WCHA Player of the Year, All-WCHA First Team), Tyler Morley (All-WCHA Third Team) and Colton Parayko (WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, All-WCHA First Team), Bemidji State’s Matt Prapavessis (All-WCHA Third Team), Ferris State’s Scott Czarnowczan (All-WCHA Second Team) and C.J. Motte (All-WCHA First Team), Lake Superior State’s Kevin Czuczman (All-WCHA Second Team) and Kevin Kapalka (All-WCHA Third Team), and Minnesota State’s Zach Lehrke (All-WCHA Third Team) and Zach Palmquist (All-WCHA First Team).

 

Voting for WCHA awards and all-league teams is done by member team head and assistant coaches and captains or sports information directors. Each team receives four ballots for a total of 40 voters. Points for awards and all-league teams are awarded on a 5-point (1st team vote), 3-point (2nd team vote), and 1-point (3rd team vote) basis. The WCHA Outstanding Student- Athlete of the Year award is administered by member team Faculty Athletic Representatives. The WCHA Defensive Player of the Year is chosen by the league’s 10 head coaches.

 

WCHA Player of the Year

Cody Kunyk • Forward, Senior, University of Alaska (Sherwood Park, AB)

 

WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year

Chad Brears • Forward, Sophomore, University of Alabama in Huntsville (Cold Lake, AB)

 

WCHA Defensive Player of the Year

Colton Parayko • Defenseman, Sophomore, University of Alaska (St. Albert, AB)

 

WCHA Rookie of the Year

Alex Globke • Forward, Freshman, Lake Superior State University (Waterford, MI)

 

WCHA Scoring Champion

Cody Kunyk • Forward, Senior, University of Alaska (Sherwood Park, AB)

 

WCHA Goaltending Champion

Cole Huggins • Freshman, Goaltender, Minnesota State University (Centennial, CO)

 

WCHA Coach of the Year

Bob Daniels • Ferris State University

 

 

2013-14 All-WCHA First Team

Pos Name Team Ht Wt Yr Hometown 2013-14 WCHA Stats

F Cody Kunyk Alaska 5-11 197 Sr Sherwood Park, AB 28 gp, 17-17=34

F Matt Bailey Alaska Anchorage 6-1 196 Sr Oakbank, MB 28 gp, 12-15=27

F Matt Leitner Minnesota State 5-9 175 Jr Los Alamitos, CA 26 gp, 8-25=33

D Colton Parayko Alaska 6-5 218 So St. Albert, AB 28 gp, 4-14=18

D Zach Palmquist Minnesota State 6-0 175 Jr South St. Paul, MN 28 gp, 3-16=19

G C.J. Motte Ferris State 6-0 190 Jr St. Clair, MI 19-6-2, 2.29, .927

 

2013-14 All-WCHA Second Team

Pos Name Team Ht Wt Yr Hometown 2013-14 WCHA Stats

F Jean-Paul Lafontaine Minnesota State 5-10 172 Jr Oxford, MI 28 gp, 16-16=32

F Colton Beck Alaska 5-11 187 Sr Langley, BC 28 gp, 11-19=30

F Garrett Thompson Ferris State 6-2 191 Sr Traverse City, MI 28 gp, 11-7=18

D Scott Czarnowczan Ferris State 5-10 176 Sr Macomb, MI 28 gp, 4-13=17

D Kevin Czuczman Lake Superior State 6-3 205 Jr Port Elgin, ON 28 gp, 6-9=15

G Cole Huggins Minnesota State 6-0 180 Fr Centennial, CO 17-4-1, 1.73, .927

 

2013-14 All-WCHA Third Team

Pos Name Team Ht Wt Yr Hometown 2013-14 WCHA Stats

F Tyler Morley Alaska 5-8 174 So Burnaby, BC 25 gp, 15-14=29

F Zach Lehrke Minnesota State 5-8 170 Sr Park Rapids, MN 24 gp, 7-18=25

F Johnny McInnis Minnesota State 6-1 195 Sr Boston, MA 28 gp, 17-11=28

D Matt Prapavessis Bemidji State 6-1 183 Jr Oakville, ON 28 gp, 5-12=17

D Jason Binkley Ferris State 5-9 191 Jr Powell, OH 26 gp, 2-16=18

G Kevin Kapalka Lake Superior State 6-1 206 Sr Mississauga, ON 8-9-0, 2.62, .924

 

2013-14 All-WCHA Rookie Team

Pos Name Team Ht Wt Yr Hometown 2013-14 WCHA Stats

F Alex Globke Lake Superior State 6-3 206 Fr Waterford, MI 28 gp, 9-12=21

F Marcus Basara Alaska 6-0 197 Fr Port Moody, BC 28 gp, 9-12=21

F Kyle Schempp Ferris State 6-0 178 Fr Saginaw, MI 28 gp, 6-12=18

D Shane Hanna Michigan Tech 5-11 190 Fr Salmon Arm, BC 28 gp, 4-18=22

D Ruslan Pedan Bemidji State 6-0 190 Fr Moscow, Russia 28 gp, 3-8=11

D Sean Flanagan Minnesota State 6-1 180 Fr Kindersly, SK 24 gp, 5-6=11

G Cole Huggins Minnesota State 6-0 180 Fr Centennial, CO 17-4-1, 1.73, .927

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.

Bulldogs capture WCHA crown in sweep

Ferris State celebrates after winning the WCHA regular-season title
(Photo Credit: Ferris State Athletics)

By Tom Morelli/Ferris State Beat Writer

Ferris State's transition into the WCHA this past year has been relatively flawless, but it hasn't come without a challenge or two.

Going into the final week of the regular season, the No. 7 ranked Bulldogs remained tied with Minnesota State at 38 points for the top spot of the standings.

In the ultimate mix of both luck and skill, Ferris State was able to defeat Lake Superior State on consecutive nights, while Minnesota State finished with a win and a tie against Michigan Tech. As a result, the Bulldogs were able to nab the conference championship in their inaugural WCHA run by a single point.

Action didn't pick-up until late in the first period of Friday's contest, when senior Cory Kane moved in from the right side of the net to beat Lakers netminder Kevin Kapalka with 5:35 left for his 12th goal of the campaign, which came via the power play. Earning assists on that play were defensemen Scott Czarnowczan and Jason Binkley.

Ferris State upped their lead midway though the second using a bit of trickery to find the back of the net. Senior Justin DeMartino skated in on the right wing before centering the puck to a streaking Dakota Klecha. After rifling a shot toward the net, the puck bounced off the side of Rob Schempp and trickled its way past the goal line.

It wasn't until the 12:47 mark that Lake Superior State was able to respond, with Dan Radke winning the faceoff draw to the left of the net and feeding it to Colin Campbell from just outside the circle.

Kapalka recorded 42 saves in the loss, compared to C.J. Motte's 32 stops.

Saturday's contest consisted of the Bulldogs honoring their five seniors (Czarnowczan, DeMartino, Andy Huff, Kane and Garrett Thompson) prior to the start of the game, which was a fitting tribute considering that three of them accounted for all of Ferris State's points in their 2-1 decision.

The Bulldogs jumped on their opposition early, using a 4-on-3 situation to their advantage with Thompson finishing off a pass from Czarnowczan just 1:03 into the contest for his 15th marker of the year.

A mere 51 seconds later Czarnowczan was able to light the lamp himself, courtesy of a nifty set-up pass by DeMartino.

Despite being a man down to start the middle stanza, the Lakers were able to generate some offense, with Campbell netting his second goal in as many nights with 29 seconds elapsed.

Motte improved to 24-7-3 as a starter with 24 saves to his credit, while Kapalka collected 29 at the other end of the ice.

Despite being tied with Bemidji State for eighth place in the WCHA standings, Lake Superior State lost the tiebreaker and will not participate in the WCHA Quarterfinals. The Lakers finish the 2013-2014 season with an overall record of 16-19-1 and were 12-16-0 in conference play.

Ferris State (25-9-3 overall, 20-6-2 WCHA) enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed and will host Bemidji State in a best-of-three series beginning Friday at 7:07 pm.

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

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

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 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.