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.