Lakers resume CCHA action with series at Ferris State

Fifteen players figured into the scoring during last weekend’s exhibition victories over Windsor and the U.S. Under-18 team, giving the Lake Superior State’s offense a confidence boost heading the Lakers’ upcoming Central Collegiate Hockey Association series at Ferris State. The Lakers play the Bulldogs at 7:05 p.m. Friday and 5:05 p.m. Saturday at Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids. Both games will be broadcast live on Rock 101 with free audio web streaming in www.rock101.net. A pay-per-view video feed is available on the B2 Network. LSSU, which is 1-2-1 overall and 1-1-0 in the CCHA, took three of four points during last year’s home series against the Bulldogs. The Lakers also claimed three of four points when they last played in Big Rapids on Dec. 8-9, 2006. They are 4-2-4 in their last 10 games against Ferris State. During last weekend’s exhibition games, Lake Superior State shut out Windsor 7-0 and beat the U.S. Under-18 team 7-3. LSSU coach Jim Roque was hoping a well-rested U-18 squad would test the Lakers’ conditioning level during last Sunday’s matinee. The U.S. squad rest Saturday after playing at Michigan Tech on Friday, while the Lakers played two games in less than 24 hours. LSSU gave up two quick goals early in the third period against the USA, but never relinquished the lead. The Lakers scored three unanswered goals during the final 11 minutes. Junior Brad Cooper and sophomore Rick Schofield both totaled 1-4—5 to lead the Lakers last weekend. Sophomore Will Acton amassed 4-0—4, scoring two goals in both games, and junior Nathan Perkovich had a goal in both games. Ferris State (2-2-0 overall, 1-0-1 CCHA) lost in a shootout at Western Michigan last Friday, but came back to beat the Broncos 5-2 at home last Saturday. The Bulldogs are currently second in the CCHA in power-play goals with eight, but have already given up three short-handed goals this season. FSU’s Zach Redmond leads the league in points by a defenseman with 0-6—6, but LSSU junior Steven Kaunisto is right behind him at 1-4—5. Senior forward Brendan Connolly leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 2-5—7.