Lakers Iced by Zaniboni

The Lakers where unable to take advantage of 9 power play opportunities on Saturday night while giving up 2 power play goals to NMU in only 4 opportunities. LSSU fell behind in the second period by giving up power play goals to former Laker Andrew Contois, and Pat Bateman at 1:57 and 19.32 of the second period respectively. The Lakers where able to pull the score to within one with a goal by Matt Restoule at 14:29 of the third period, ending former Soo Indian Bill Zaniboni bid for his second shutout of the year, three seconds after Northern had successfully killed of third short handed situation of the night. The Lakers could not convert at the end of the game with the sixth attacker and have now fallen to 1-2-3 on the year. The Lakers finished with 25 shots on the night to NMU’s 22 shots, out shooting their opponent for the 5th time in 6 games. The Lakers ended the weekend going 0-16 on the power play.

Lakers Power Play Fizzles

The game started with promise for the Lakers drawing a penalty just 5 seconds into the game. Unfortunately the Lakers looked as if they where still suffering from their 3 hour bus ride in the afternoon to get to the game. They gave up an early short handed opportunity to Andrew Contois where Jeff Jakaitis was unable to control the rebound and resulted in an early shorthanded goal going to Dirk Southern with former Laker Contois recording an assist. LSSU spent much of the first 10 minutes of the game on the power play but where unable to connect until, freshman Josh Sim buried one top shelf on former Soo Indian Bill Zaniboni at 11:42, tying the game 1-1. Unfortunately for the Lakers this was all the offense they would be able to muster in the game, in which the biggest star seemed to be referee Mark Wilkins. NMU added power play goals Darin Olver and Jamie Milam at 4:32 of the second period and 15:54 of the third period respectably. The Lakers also committed two checking from behind called again for the second straight game including one by Steve McJannet in the third period which earned him a disqualification. He will not be able to suit up again for the Lakers until November 4th. Over all the game saw 24 penalties called by Wilkins. Thirteen of which where called against the Lakers for a total of 48 minutes and 11 against NMU for a total of 30 minutes. These numbers boiled down to NMU being with the man advantage for just over 15 minutes while the Lakers had to settle for 12 minutes of power play time. "There's no flow in the game," Roque said. "You play one shift five-on-five and then there's a penalty. I couldn't tell you what Walt's team does. I don't know if he can tell what our team does. I think we need to make huge adjustment here (in the CCHA) with our officials and let the kids play hockey. That's all I can comment on, because it wasn't a hockey game." LSSU was able to outshoot their opponite again this season with 28 shots to 24 for NMU. But where out shot 16 to 11 on the power play. LSSU plays NMU Saturday night at the Norris Center.

LSSU set to play Home-and-Home vs. #14 ranked NMU

The LSSU Lakers unbeaten thru four games are off to their best start since the 1995-96 season. That season, they started 6-0-0 and finished with a 30-8-2 overall record, winning the CCHA regular-season championship. LSSU will start the weekend in Marquette, Michigan against 14th-ranked Northern Michigan University, then finish the weekend on the back half of the home-and-home series at the Taffy Abel Arena. The Lakers did not receive any votes in the USCHO.com/CSTV Division I Men's Poll after a disappointing weekend against Ferris State last weekend. The Lakers are averaging 2.5 goal per game through their first 4 games this season, slightly better than the 2.0 goals per game that they had at this point last year. This can be attributed to playing a much diminished Colgate squad and opening the CCHA schedule against Ferris state rather than the University of Michigan. Even with the increased goal scoring this year the Lakers have only been able to salvage three ties, to go along with their lone win. Last year the Lakers lead the NCAA with 7 ties to tie their own school record from 2003. For the first time in recent history the Lakers are out-shooting their opponents by an average of 5.8 shots per game. NMU is looking to extend their winning streak to 4 games this weekend, will be opening their CCHA season against the Lakers. The Wildcats swept Michigan Tech last weekend, after an impressive performance against St. Cloud State during their opening weekend. LSSU has lost their last three games to NMU, and have not won the season series since the 1999-2000 season, going 4-13-3 since then, including only 3 wins under former coach Frank Anzalone. LSSU trails the all-time series, 23-45-7, including a terrible 8-27-3 record in Marquette and 15-18-4 record at home. Junior forward Trent Campbell had two goals and an assist to lead the Lakers against Northern Michigan last season. Junior forward Jeff Rainville (1-2-3) is riding a three-game scoring streak into this weekend's series; freshman defenseman Marty Gurnoe leads the team in points with four assists. Derek A. Smith and Troy Schwab who had impressive exhibition seasons and were able to carry that success into the opening game vs. Colgate have been held relatively in check the past three games. NMU is lead by, former Soo Indian, sophomore goaltender Bill Zaniboni with a 3-0-0 record and 0.67 goals-against average.

LSSU reports two NCAA secondary violations

Lake Superior State University has reported to the NCAA two secondary rules violations involving its hockey program. Both violations occurred during the 2004-05 hockey season and involved Bylaw 17, playing-season regulations, at the NCAA Division I level. The first violation involved observation for the purpose of evaluating student-athletes outside the playing season in September, 2004. The other centered on pre-season required hours when NCAA regulations call for no more than eight hours of "countable athletics activity per week." Both violations were discovered after the 2004-05 season, under former head coach Frank Anzalone, and were reported in accord with NCAA rules and regulations. According to the violations report, both involved "deliberate actions" to circumvent the regulations and "willful" intent to cover up the violations. Loss of practice time during the 2005-06 season has resulted from both reports.

Laker Recruits Excel over the weekend

Newly committed forward Nathan Perkovich of the Chicago Steel, of the United States Hockey League, contributed to his teams split series against Cedar Rapids this past weekend. Perkovich scored two goals, and added an assist for a total of 3 points. Perkovich is currently tied for second in the USHL for power play goals with three, 8 games into the season. Michael George remains near the top of all the scoring categories of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. George scored one goal this weekend, and added an assist. George also compiled 28 PIM in 3 games over the weekend. George is currently tied for second in the SJHL in goals and points with 10 and 21 respectively, and tied for 5th in assists with 11. George currently is in the top ten in the league with 69 penalty minutes though 16 games. Defenseman Ryan Baird of the Fort William North Stars of the Superior International Junior Hockey League put up 1 goal, two assists and 6 PIM in the past three games he has played. He currently has 7 goals and 10 assists on the season. Defenseman Simon Gysbers of Stouffville of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League. Has recorded 2 goals and 11 points in 14 games this season.

Lakers Undefeated thru four

Freshman Josh Sim scored his first collegiate goal to help Lake Superior State salvage a 1-1 tie in Game 2 of its Central Collegiate Hockey Association series. The Lakers (1-0-3 overall, 0-0-2 CCHA) failed to capitalize on eight power-play opportunities, but got a big performance from junior goaltender Jeff Jakaitis, who totaled 21 saves. He made several key stops throughout what was his best game so far this season. Ferris State scored first, taking a 1-0 lead on a goal by Adam Miller at 16:03 of the second period. Sim answered at 18:16 of the middle stanza as Barnabas Birkeland and Jeff Rainville drew assists. FSU goaltender Mitch O'Keefe also totaled 21 saves. The Bulldogs (1-1-2 overall, 0-0-2 CCHA) finished 0-for-3 on the power play. LSSU and FSU also skated to a 4-4 tie on Friday. LSSU plays a home-and-home series on Oct. 28-29 against Northern Michigan. The Lakers travel to NMU on Friday and play host to the Wildcats at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday.

Lake State remains undefeated

Ferris State University jumped out to an early lead with goals by Matt Stefanishion and Matt Verdone in the first period to give the Bulldogs (1-1-1 overall, 0-0-1 CCHA) a 2-0 lead. LSSU was able to rally back starting with a power-play goal by Kory Scoran with eight seconds remaining in the opening period. Scoran assisted on Dominic Osman's power-play goal at 5:16 of the second period, tying the game 2-2. Alex Dunn was able to give the Lakers a 3-2 lead at 17:24, scoring his first goal of the season. Ferris State was given the man advantage 25 seconds into the third period due to Nathan Ward taking a 5 minute checking-from-behind major penalty. Sault Ste. Marie native Jim Jorgensen scored a power-play goal for Ferris State to tie it, 3-3. LSSU was able to regain the lead at 4-3 on Trent Campbell's power-play goal at 8:28 of the third period, his second goal of the season. Lake State was unable to maintain this lead by giving up the game tying goal to Ferris’s Brendan Connolly midway through the third period, tying the game at 4-4. Derek R. Smith picked up the Lakers second checking-from-behind major of the night with 2:55 to go in overtime, effectively ending the Lakers hopes of scoring the go ahead goal. The Lakers out shot their opponent for the third straight game, 28-23, including three shots on goal during the overtime period. The Lakers where able to convert on 3 of their 5 power play opportunities, while giving up 2 power play goals, while having to play shorthanded 7 times, including trying to kill two 5 minute majors.

Lakers Receive another Verbal Commitment

Lake Superior State University has received a verbal commitment from forward Nathan Perkovich of the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. Perkovich will join the Lakers for the 2006-07 season. Nathan, a native of Canton, MI, is a 6'5", 195-pound forward is in his third season in the United States Hockey League. Perkovich has a good skill set, as evidenced by his swift movement through his hockey career so far. Perkovich stared for Redford Catholic Central in his home state of Michigan for two seasons, helping the team continue a string of league championships. In 2003-04, he was expected to return to the team, but ended up moving up the ranks to the USHL where he played for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders. There, he played in 30 games, and managed 7 assists and 8 points. Perkovich then was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 8th round of the 2004 draft, 250th overall. Currently, Perkovich, a New Jersey Devils Draft Pick, has a goal and an assists for 2 points in 6 games played as well as 25 penalty minutes. In his USHL career, Nathan has 8 goals, 10 assists for 18 points in 78 games. Lake Superior State University, located in picturesque Sault St. Marie, MI., is a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and has in state rivalries with the University of Michigan and Northern Michigan University. "Nathan has paid his dues in the USHL," remarks Steel Head Coach/General Manager Chris Imes. "He plays hard every shift, every day. His leadership is reminiscent of (Detroit Red Wing Steve) Yzerman, he's quiet and lets his play do the talking. Nathan recovered well from his knee injury and has made an immediate impact this season. Perk is a great example of perseverance, discipline and dedication, and he is being rewarded with a scholarship."

Lakers open CCHA schedule during Great Lake State Weekend.

This weekend’s match up against Ferris State University will mark the 99th and 100th times that these two teams have met in the past 25 years. Lake Superior State University has a come out on top of these meeting winning 57 and losing 33, eight have resulted in ties. The Lakers have struggled against the Bulldogs of late though only winning two of their last 10 contests. Ferris State comes into this weekend’s contests with a 1-1-0 record after losing to New Hampshire but beating Army at the Mutual of Omaha Maverick Stampede this past weekend. As part of Great Lake State Weekend (GLSW), the 1988 hockey team will be inducted into the Lake Superior State University Athletic Hall of Fame at a luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. in the Walker Cisler Center. The ’88 team will become the fourth team inducted, joining the NAIA Championship teams of 1972 and 1974 and the 1955-56 Sault Tech Hornet basketball team. Big Top Tailgate Party before the series finale. Starting at 5pm until the start of the hockey game, join us in the Norris Center for a tailgate party. There will be free food, music, Bovine Bingo, carnival games and more!!! The Lakers recieved two votes in this week's USCHO.com/CSTV Division one poll.

Lakers Power Play continues to click.

The Lakers where able to hold off 16th ranked Colgate to record their first win of the season. The Lakers fell behind early with power play goal by Colgate’s Mark Fulton at 4:26 of the first period. LSSU was able to counter on their first power play of the game with Jeff Rainville scoring at 10:12 of the first period. The Lakers where able to take the lead with their second power play goal of the game, scored by Nathan Ward 3:13 into the second period. Troy Schwab drew a viscous kneeing penalty at 15:26 of the third period which ended Colgate’s dominance of the third period. Dominic Osman was able to knock in a rebound shot at 16:52 after Kory Scoran put the puck on the net. Colgate pulled their goalie with 1:20 remaining in the game, won the face-off in the Laker end and where able to close the Laker’s lead to one with a goal by Nick St. Pierre 15 seconds later. Colgate was unable to score again, and the Lakers recorded their first ever victory against Colgate. Drawing assists on the Laker’s three goals where Derek A. Smith, Mark Adamek, Dominic Osmand, Kory Scoran, and Marty Gurnoe (2). LSSU once again dominated the power play scoring 3 goals on 23 shots in 15:05, and held Colgate to 7 shots and one goal in 9:35.

Lakers can only salvage tie after sloppy game by 16th ranked Colgate

Lake State took advantage of a Colgate penalty early in the game with Trent Campbell scoring a power play goal (5:14) less than a minute into the first power play of the Lakers young season, assisting on the goal was Troy Schwab and Derek R. Smith. Colgate was able to tie the game up with a power play goal by Kyle Wilson while Colgate was on a 5 on 3 power play. Derek R. Smith scored his first goal of the season at 6:17 of the second period, Troy Schwab picked up his second assist in his young collegiate career. Colgate was able to tie the game up again in at 5:48 of the third period, on a freak goal where the puck bounced off the boards and into the net finding Jakaitis out of position, Jesse Winchester was given credit for the goal. The Lakers where unable to get a shot on goal in the 5 minute overtime period, their best chance came with three seconds left in the game but freshman Troy Schwab’s shot when wide of the net. Last year the Lakers where 2-4-7 in overtime games. Lake Superior was able to dominate Colgate the entire game putting up twice as many shots in the first two periods something rarely seen in by the Lakers in the past 9 years, Colgate was able to come out and put up 6 shots in the third period vs. only 7 for the Lakers. LSSU played a very disciplined game spending only 5:09 shorthanded, allowing 12 shots, while taking advantage of 15:02 with the extra man, peppering the Colgate goalie with 26 shots.

Lakers get another verbal commitment for 2006

The Battlefords North Stars have announced 1985 born forward Michael George has accepted a scholarship to Lake Superior State University. George, who went into the season as the top eligible returning scorer in the SJHL, has gotten off to a fast start with 8-goals and 8-assists in 11-games. The 6'0", 190 lbs native of the Battlefords scored 22-goals and 46-assists in 52-games last year. As an 18-year-old rookie, he recorded 41-points in 60-games. The Lakers already boast eight former SJHLers on their current roster with four of them having played in the SJHL as recent as last year. Jason Miller (Humboldt), Josh Sim (Kindersley), Troy Schwab (Kindersley), Matt Wheeler (Weyburn) are all entering their Freshman seasons. Kory Scoran (Melfort), Nathan Ward (Weyburn), Trent Campbell (La Ronge), and Derek Smith (Estevan) are the other ex-SJHLers on the club.

LSSU to play Colgate in opening weekend

SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State extends a special invitation to active and retired military from the Eastern Upper Peninsula during Patriots' Night on Saturday, Oct. 15, when the Lakers play Game 2 of their series with Colgate. "Laker athletics is proud to recognize all of our U.S. military, active and retired, who serve the nation and the area so proudly," said Bill Crawford, LSSU Director of Athletics. All active or retired military personnel can obtain a free ticket to Saturday's game by contacting their commander or local veterans' post. Contact LSSU ticket manager Bonnie Kaunisto, 632-2602, for more information. LSSU and Colgate (1-0) will play at 7:35 p.m. on Friday and 7:05 p.m. on Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena. The Lakers will also be celebrating Parents Weekend during the series. Lake Superior State is still working into game shape prior to its series against Colgate, a team vying for its third straight 20-win season. The Lakers had only five practices heading into last weekend's exhibition games against York and the U.S. Under-18 team, while their opponents had played a combined 10 games. Their late-game fatigue showed as they held a combined 53-29 shots-on-goal advantage during the first two periods of play, but shots were even, 24-24, in third-period action. LSSU opened the 2004-05 regular season with back-to-back one-goal losses to the Raiders. That series was definitely a sign of things to come, as the Lakers wound up 5-10 in games decided by one goal. Colgate went on to finish 25-11-3 and advance to the NCAA Tournament, where it lost in the first round to Colorado College. Colgate coach Don Vaughn has lost nine players who played key roles in the Raiders' success the past two years. They return senior forward Jon Smyth, who was named to the Inside College Hockey Preseason "Dream Team." "They are a good, tight, hard-working team that plays a lot of low-scoring games," said LSSU coach Jim Roque, who respects veteran coach Vaughn, who is in his 13th season. "Last week we had a chance to see if we could keep up with speed (against the U.S. Under-18 team). Against Colgate we will see how hard we can work because they are a team that works hard and really battles." The Colgate University men's hockey team moved up two spots to the No. 16 ranking in the USCHO.com/CSTV Division I national poll, which was released on Monday, Oct. 10. In addition, the Raiders received 38 votes in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll. With only four seniors on its roster, Colgate is a much younger team compared to last year. LSSU - with its 12-member senior class - is dominated by veteran players who have stuck it out through a long rebuilding process. The Lakers hope to turn many of last year's one-goal losses and school-record-tying seven ties into wins in 2005-06. LSSU leaders include captain Steve McJannet, and assistant captains Jon Booras, Ren Fauci and Nathan Ward. Younger players who are already showing promise include sophomore defenseman Derek A. Smith, who had two goals and two assists in last Friday's 5-1 victory over York and picked up two more assists against the U.S. National Team Development Program's Under-18 squad. Freshman forward Troy Schwab, who led the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in scoring last season, scored a goal in his first outing as a Laker. LSSU Lakers are just looking to improve (www.sootoday.com)

LSSU set to lose large athletic supporter

It has come to the attention of LSSUHockey.blogspot.com that Mark Jastorff, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, has accepted a position as Director of Alumni Relations at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. “The move takes us much, much closer to home - a relatively easy drive to Kari's folks and her sister, my brother and just a hop from Alan and Tiffany.” Jastorff said about taking his new position, “There is no way to properly express our appreciation for your personal and professional support through the last 12 years.” Mark Jastorff came to Lake State on September 20, 1993 - the day the Cisler II addition was formally dedicated. "We opened the Cisler with a luncheon with the Governor, then moved to the Library to break ground on the new addition and we've been on the go ever since!" says Jastorff. "The NCAA title in 1994 was unreal. I wasn't a hockey fan until we moved here. I am, however, a huge sports nut and to be at an NCAA finals was a big kick," he says. "There are so many great things that have happened here thanks to the kinds of people I get to work with. Best of luck to Mark and Kari Jastorff in their future endeavors.

Lakers to Host Spaghetti Dinner to benefit United Way

The Laker hockey team will take up a tradition started by the Soo Indians when they are the hosts of a spaghetti dinner to benefit United Way. Stop by for dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24, at Tanglewood Marsh Golf Course. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Ages five and under admitted by donation. Carryouts will be available. Get tickets at the Norris Center box office, Tanglewood or the United Way office. Call 632-3700 for more information.

Lakers Embarrassed by U.S. Under-18 team

Derek A. Smith finishes weekend six points The Lakers found themselves playing catch-up to the much younger USA team Saturday night, and then failed to maintain the lead twice after they got it. A penalty filled game in which we saw less than 30 minutes of even strength hockey, showed promise for LSSU’s power play for the second night in a row. The Lakers where able to score two power play goals in the first period, the first by Nathan Ward (06:05) and the second by Colin Nicholson (07:22). The Lakers penalty kill on the other hand let in 2 goals in the first period to Erik Johnson (04:04 & 16:15) Ren Fauci scored an even strength goal 5:54 into the second period to give the Lakers their second lead of the night. The Lakers maintained the lead until Jamie McBain of Team USA scored at 13:42 of the third period. Tony Mosey tallied the game-winner 33 seconds later. Both teams finished 2-for-10 on the power play Derek A. Smith tallied two helpers in the evening with Jeff Rainville, Trent Campbell, Mark Adamek and Dan Eves all recording one each. LSSU is at home next weekend with a non-conference series against Colgate on Oct. 14-15.

Power Play Clicks for LSSU vs. York.

Two stories developed early with the in LSSU Hockey’s annual exhibition beating of a Canadian University, the York University Lions. The first surprise of the night came with rookie Head Coach Jim Roque starting seldom used senior Will Ciccone. This was a questionable move with Vince Wheeler slated to be Jeff Jakaitis’ backup this year. Ciccone has amassed a whopping 17 minutes of ice time in his 3 previous seasons at Lake Superior State University, stopping every shot that he faced (2). With only two exhibition games on the schedule you have to question why Roque wouldn’t play Wheeler, to get some University level experience, and Jakaitis to get into game shape. Look for Roque to split time between these two goalies tonight vs. USA Hockey’s Under 18 squad. The second big story of the night was LSSU scoring 4 power play goals on 8 opportunities. Derek A. Smith started the Laker Hockey power play assault netting two goals with the extra man in the first period. The first came at 03:29 assisted by Jon Booras and Jason Miller, the second at 13:49 with helpers credited to Dominic Osman and Mark Adamek. The Lakers continued their power play dominance scoring one more in each of the two remaining periods. Nathan Ward’s came just 1:18 into the second period with assists going to Jeff Rainville and Derek A. Smith, and Derek R. Smith netted his on a delayed penality call while the Lakers where already on the power play just 21 seconds into the third period, with Derek A. Smith and Trent Campbell assisting. Derek A. Smith ended the night with 4 points in all. Troy Schwab scored on a beautiful unassisted goal in the closing minute of the second period (19:30). York University’s lone goal by Jon Hedberg, with assists credited to Steve Chabbert and Marcus Smith 7:15, ended Ciccone’s bid for a shutout. The Lakers dominated the Lions in the shots department, by nearly 2 to 1 (49-25), with 23 shots coming with the extra attacker. The Lakers where also impressive in the faceoff circle winning 35 of the 60 contests; with York’s top two centers having a combined 8 years of OHL experience. Of concern the Lakers did commit 10 penalties during the contest and spent 14:29 shorthanded, but only allowed 10 shots on goal during this period. The win puts LSSU at 1-0 for the exhibition season and drops York University to 0-4 in their exhibition schedule.

Lakers Host Two Exhibition Games this Weekend

SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State's largest senior class in school history will take to the ice for the first time this season when the Lakers play host to York and the U.S. Under-18 Team in exhibition games this weekend. The LSSU Hockey team, under new head coach Jim Roque, plays host to York at 7:35 p.m. on Friday, and the U.S. Under-18s at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena. Both games will be broadcast live on Rock 101. Friday's contest is part of a volleyball/hockey double header. The volleyball match against Hillsdale has been moved up to 4:45 p.m. Roque is the second former Laker player to head the program. The long-time assistant coach, who replaced Frank Anzalone in July, played at LSSU from 1983-87. The first former Laker to become a head coach was Rick Comley in 1973-74. He played for the Lakers from 1967-71 and is now the head coach at Michigan State. Roque takes over a program that has steadily improved since finishing last in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association for three straight years. LSSU finished 11th in the CCHA two years ago and moved up to ninth last season. This season, LSSU will be led by a 12-man senior class that has become tight-knit during the long rebuilding process. Senior Steve McJannet will serve as captain, while fellow seniors Jon Booras, Nathan Ward and Ren Fauci will be assistant captains. Booras was the Lakers' top scorer in 2004-05 with 10 goals and 10 assists, followed by Ward (9-8-17), junior Matt Restoule (7-9-16), junior Trent Campbell (6-10-16) and senior Colin Nicholson (7-7-14). Nine of LSSU's top 10 scorers return. The Lakers graduated only nine percent of their overall scoring from last season. Junior Dominic Osman returns to the lineup after missing 26 games last season due to a back injury. Osman was the Lakers' leading scorer as a freshman in 2003-04. The Lakers expect to be solid defensively as seven out of eight defensemen return along with junior goaltender Jeff Jakaitis, who has a career save percentage of .923 and is on track to become LSSU's all-time leader in that category. Jakaitis was ranked sixth in the CCHA in overall goals-against (2.88) and tied for third in save percentage (.917) last season. The Lakers will be meeting York for the first time since the 1992-93 season and have an all-time record of 3-1 against the Lions. LSSU defeated York 8-3 that year, and also picked up a win in 1973-74, the teams split their 1974-75 series. LSSU and York have one thing in common. Both teams ended 2004-05 with stinging losses. The Lakers ended last season with three straight one-goal losses, including a 4-3 overtime loss at Nebraska-Omaha in Game 2 of the CCHA First-Round Playoffs. York, meanwhile, concluded its season with back-to-back double-overtime losses to Lakehead in the OUA West semifinals. The Lions finished 12-6-5-3, while LSSU was 9-22-7. The U.S. Under-18 squad is 7-0 heading into a nine-game stretch against NCAA Division I opponents. The U-18s' swing through Michigan's Upper Peninsula includes a Friday game at Northern Michigan. They will play 14 games against DI opponents this season. LSSU and the U.S. Under-18 team last met during the 2003-04 season. That year the teams skated to a 3-3 tie with Laker Jeff Rainville scoring the game-tying goal on a power play at 9:01 of the third period. Restoule tallied two goals in that contest. Nicholson scored the Lakers' only goal in a 1-1 tie during the 2002-03 season. All of the Laker goal scorers were freshmen when they played in those games. Note: The Laker Hockey Show has been moved to Tuesdays at 6:05 p.m. at Moloney's Alley. The first show, with host John Bell, will air Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Rally for Laker Athletics to be held Oct. 6

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Laker Athletics is looking to establish a new tradition this week with a membership rally for Laker Club, the official support group of all Lake Superior State University athletic teams. The public is invited to attend the rally, which begins with a social hour at 5 p.m. and a brief program at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Sault Country Club. “This is a great opportunity to meet some of our student-athletes who have been helped by the support of our members,” said Tom Coates, director of annual giving/athletic development at LSSU. “It’s also the place for everyone to visit with our coaches and learn more about the benefits of joining Laker Club.” Laker Club originated years ago as a support group called the “Laker 100.” Fans of LSSU’s athletic program contributed $100 and in return received a jacket to show the community they were supporting the teams. Since then, Laker Club has evolved to include other benefits for those who donate funds that are earmarked for student grant-in-aid scholarship funding. Depending on the level, benefits can include hockey season tickets, GLIAC sports passes, preferred parking, a return of contribution insurance program, and more. “Becoming a member of Laker Club is a great way to help us meet the growing challenge of fielding competitive Laker teams in all sports,” said Coates. “There are a lot of tangible benefits to joining, but many of our members feel that helping our student-athletes is the best.” Thursday’s membership rally falls on the date normally reserved for Lake State After Hours, a social gathering held by the LSSU Alumni Association on the first Thursday of each month at Moloney’s Alley. This week, the Alumni Association is moving its gathering to the Sault Country Club to join the rally. For more information about the Laker Club and Thursday’s membership rally, contact the LSSU Foundation at 906-635-6670 or send e-mail to tcoates@lssu.edu. -LSSU-