Lakers Top Providence

Lakers Stick in 18th Spot

Dispite falling to the USA U-18 squad in exhibition play this past weekend the Lakers found themselves firmly settled in the 18th spot in USCHO.com/CSTV Division I Men’s Poll released on 18 December 2006. This is the third straight week that the Lakers have found themselves in the top 20.

LSSU Climbs to 18th into the USCHO.com/CSTV Division I Men’s Poll

By following up last weekend's sweep over Northern Michigan with a 3 points against Ferris State this weekend Lake Superior State Univeristy has climbed number 18 of the USCHO.com/CSTV Division I Men’s Poll released on 11 December 2006. This is the second straight week that the Lakers have found themselves in the top 20. Also note that Jeff Jakaitis and Derek A. Smith received Central Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Week honors after leading the Lakers to a 1-1 overtime tie and a 4-1 victory at Ferris State last weekend. Jakaitis, who was named CCHA Goaltender of the Week, stopped 91-of-93 shots on goal to set a new school record for most saves in a series. He tied his career high for most saves in a game by stopping 49-of-50 shots on Friday. His 91 series saves breaks the previous record of 88 set by Matt Violin on Jan. 17-18, 2003, at Alaska. The Rochester, Minn., native is ranked second nationally in save percentage (.956) and goals-against average (1.57). He is currently ranked third on LSSU's career saves list with 2,795 and needs 15 saves to move into second place behind all-time leader Pat Tims (1973-77). Smith, a Belleville, Ont., native, contributed two goals and one assist last weekend and was named CCHA Defenseman of the Week. He tallied the Lakers' only goal on Friday and added a short-handed goal on Saturday. He currently leads the Lakers in scoring with 5-12--17 and is ranked 10th nationally in average points per game by defensemen. Notre Dame's Eric Condra was named CCHA Offensive Player of the Week, and Miami's Jarod Palmer received CCHA Rookie of the Week honors. The Lakers (11-5-2) play host to the U.S. NTDP Under-18 squad in an exhibition game at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena.

LSSU finds its way into the USCHO.com/CSTV Division I Men’s Poll

With the Lakers sweep over Northern Michigan last weekend Lake Superior State Univeristy has found themselves placed at number 20 of the USCHO.com/CSTV Division I Men’s Poll released on 4 December 2006. Last season the Lakers hovered in the top twenty of the Poll for over 2 months of the season.

Michael George leaves LSSU to play for UHL Fort Wayne Komets

SAULT STE. MARIE – Freshman forward Michael George of Battleford, Sask., has left Lake Superior State University and has signed to play professionally for the Fort Wayne Komets of the United Hockey League. George, a talented 6-1, 195-pounder, was denied eligibility by the NCAA. LSSU hockey coach Jim Roque was disappointed to lose a recruited player, but understands George’s pursuit of an opportunity to play immediately. “He wants to play, and I understand that,” Roque said. “I’m disappointed that we lost a really good player. I do know that Michael and his family can’t leave here saying that Kris (Dunbar, director of athletics) and Tom (Boger, faculty athletics representative) didn’t do everything they could to help him through this process.” In George’s case, the NCAA questioned the protocol his high school followed in regard to repeating classes. The NCAA has strict guidelines for that process. The departure of George, who was the fourth-leading scorer in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League last season, leaves the Lakers with only one extra forward on its roster.