LSSU Lakers Ice Hockey Ready to Start Seasons Second Half

After finishing the first half of the 2009/2010 season four wins better than the same point last season the Lake Superior State University ice hockey team heads to Pennsylvania this weekend to start what could be the toughest second half schedule of any CCHA team.

After a pair of games against Robert Norris this weekend, who split with the Lakers at home last year, five of the eight teams LSSU will face in the second half are currently ranked in the nations top 20 including #1 Miami of Ohio, #12 Ferris State and #13 Michigan State. Tack on a season final match up against Upper Peninsula rivals Northern Michigan in Marquette and the Lakers could be primed to turn in an overall great season.

LSSU Lakers mens ice hockey head coach Jim Roque. FILE PHOTO - Eagle FI

“We’re excited we had a decent first half” said Lakers head coach Jim Roque, “we have the opportunity to have a great season.” Roque says confidence is a big plus for his team heading into the second half. “We’ve got some good older players” said Roque in a telephone interview Wednesday. “The last three games (before the holiday break) we started scoring goals and played better defensively”. “Our confidence has been dictated by our goalie.” he added. “Brian has played really well”. Brian Mahoney-Wilson’s team leading .920 save percentage “helps give other players the confidence to play better. They know it’s okay if they make a mistake.”

In addition to continued goal tending success the Lakers are going to need players who have had led in the first half to continue to produce. Players like junior Chad Nehring who leads the team in goals heading into the second half with eleven including six power play goals that account for 50 % of the teams total of twelve power play scores. Junior Rick Schofield who tops the individual points earners with 9 goals and 9 assists and senior forward Zac McVoy who’s team high 12 assists added to his four goals put him in second place of the individual points count with 16.

Currently in sole possession of fifth place in the CCHA almost every remaining game for the Lakers will be against another one of the leagues top seven teams. “They’re always tough games” says Roque of second half contests. With only seven points separating the second and fifth place teams every series in the second half has the chance of drastically altering LSSU’s league standings and whether or not they can call their season a success. Considering that only one team in the first half really dominated the Lakers, chances of a good finish are certainly within their reach.

Lakers Sweep Northern, Claim Fifth Place in CCHA

NMU's Greger Hanson (left) and LSSU's Zach Trotman (5) chase a loose puck into the corner during the third period of Saturday nights game at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Heading into the third period of the LSSU Lakers game against the NMU Wildcats Saturday night at Taffy Abel Arena it looked like it was going to be a carbon copy of the previous nights win by the home team Lakers. That was prior to the Wildcats turning up the heat and fighting back to within one with less than eight minutes to play.

LSSU senior forward Zac MacVoy put the Lakers on the scoreboard first beating NMU starting goaltender Reid Ellingson less than ten seconds into the first power play of the night. Concluding the first periods scoring junior forward Will Acton made it two nothing in favor of the home team on the second Laker power play opportunity.

LSSU's Chad Nehring (16) watches as NMU goaltender Brian Stewart (right) reaches for a rolling puck Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Reversing their roles from Friday night, NMU’s Ellingson, who got the starting nod in goal from Wildcats coach Walt Kyle, was replaced by senior Brian Stewart just over half way through the first period. Coach Kyle acknowledged that goaltending has been a concern for the Wildcats ”It’s been an issue for us” he said in post game interviews.

Lakers junior Rick Schofield picked up his eighteenth point of the year when he scored the only goal of the second period by either team.

NMU's Jared Brown (15) gets ready to backhand the puck past LSSU goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson (35) for one of his two third period goals Saturday night at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

NMU junior Jared Brown put the Wildcats on the board scoring three and a half minutes into the third period. He racked up his second of the night less than three minutes later when he beat Lakers goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson on a short handed breakaway narrowing the Lakers lead to one goal. A minute and a half later LSSU senior John Scrymgeour returned the favor by scoring shorthanded against NMU net minder Stewart.

LSSU's John Scrymgeour celebrates after scoring a shorthanded goal against NMU Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Wildcats Senior T.J. Miller brought the score back to within one with 7:43 left to play but empty net goals by the Lakers Zac MacVoy and Chad Nehring put the game out of reach and into the win column for LSSU.

The last games before the holiday break, the weekend sweep of the Wildcats extends the Lakers current winning streak to four, their longest of the season and puts them into sole possession of fifth place in the CCHA standings. “I think it was a really big weekend” said Lakers head coach Jim Roque. “It’ll be crazy over there at the end of the year.” referring to the two games the Lakers will play at NMU in February.

LSSU goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson (right) slides to block a breakaway shot by NMU's Andrew Cherniwchan (23) Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Lakers next game will be against Robert Morris on January 2nd and 3rd before facing off against number fourteen Michigan State on January 8th and 9th.

Lakers Power Past Wildcats In First Of Two

LSSU's Fred Cassiani (13) breaks toward the net around NMU's Ray Kaunisto (left)during the second peiod of the Lakers Friday night game against the Wildcats at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Lake Superior State University hockey team was less than a minute away from their second shut out of the year when Northern Michigan Universities Phil Fox jammed the puck in for the Wildcats only score in their 5 to 1 lose to the home team Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie last night.

LSSU's Rick Schofield watches the puck after a faceoff during the second period of the Lakers Friday night game against the NMU Wildcats at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Lakers co-captain and individual points leader Rick Schofield started the Lakers scoring on what would be the first of the nights combined 12 power plays just over four minutes into the first period. He tallied the Lakers second goal less than three minutes later when he beat Wildcats starting net minder Brian Stewart on a shorthanded opportunity upping his point total to 17 for the year.

LSSU's Ben Power reacts after scoring during the third period of the Lakers Friday night game against the NMU Wildcats at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Freshman forward Ben Power and sophomore forward Fred Cassiani added to LSSU’s lead both scoring in the third period sending NMU’s visibly frustrated Stewart to the bench. The Lakers Chad Nehring scored the games only even strength goal of the night when he sent the puck past the glove hand of the Wildcats Reid Ellingson just over 15 minutes into the final period.

NMU goaltender Reid Ellingson reaches unsuccessfully for the puck during the third period of the Wildcats Frisy night game against the LSSU Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Prior to last nights game contests at Taffy Abel Arena were relatively low penalty affairs. One ten minute misconduct, one five minute holding call, two goaltender interference calls and three after the whistle roughing calls as tempers flared late in the third all helped bring the nights combined number of penalties to 19. The ten Lakers penalties were almost double their season average of 5.2 per game.

Referees try to break up a third period brawl between the LSSU Lakers and NMU Wildcats Friday night at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

LSSU's Matt Cowie (7) looks on as the Lakers starting goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson (35) makes one of his 30 saves during the second period of the Lakers Friday night game against WMU at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Lakers starting goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson made 30 saves on the night while NMU’s Stewart stopped 33 of the 37 he faced and Ellingson stopped 6. The Lakers and Wildcats will face off again tonight in Taffy Abel Arena at 7:05 p.m.

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UAF Hockey Team Tops LSSU To Split Weekend Set

UAF's Joe Sova (11) tries to keep LSSU's Chad Nehring (16) away from Nanooks goalie Scott Greenham (35) during Alaskas Saturday night win over LSSU.

Down by two headed into the third period the University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey team turned up the heat on Lake Superior State University tying the score by the end of regulation play and claiming a 3-2 overtime win to split the weekend series at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

LSSU's Ben Power celebrates his first goal of the season during the first period of the Lakers Saturday matchup with the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Sault Ste. Marie.

From the opening face off it was clear that both teams had turned up the intensity a notch from Friday nights contest. LSSU lit up the scoreboard twice in the first period. Freshman Ben Power scored his first of the year with an assist from junior defenseman Dillin Stonehouse and less than three minutes later forward Chad Nehring beat UAF goaltender Scott Greenham to extend the Lakers lead.

Starting goalies, Greenham and LSSU’s Brian Mahoney Wilson, each faced one power play opportunity and less than ten shots in the second period to keep the score even headed into the third. Both teams had four power play opportunities over the course of the game but neither was able to capitalize.

UAF's Dion Knelsen (20) gets congratulated by the UAF bench after scoring in the third period of the Nanooks Saturday night win over LSSU.

Number ten ranked Alaska got its scoring started just over a minute into the third on a goal by senior Dion Knelsen. Knelesen tallied his second of the game and seventh of the year six minutes later to even the score and eventually send the game into overtime.

Alaska'a Bryant Mollie turns up ice with the puck during UAF's Saturday night win over LSSU.

Just over four minutes into the five minute sudden death overtime period Lakers goalie Mahoney-Wilson found himself facing a 4 on 2 that provided UAF’s Bryant Molle a scoring chance he took advantage of giving the Nanooks their eighth win of the year.

The split weekend moves the Lakers record to 6-7-1 and the Nanooks to 8-3-1 and fourth in the CCHA.
Alaska returns home to face Northern Michigan next weekend and the Lakers will travel to Troy New York to face non conference foes Union on Friday and Bentley/Rensselaer on Saturday in the Rensselaer Holiday Hockey Tournament.

LSSU Hockey Tops #10 Alaska

Lake Superior State University's Chad Nehring chases the puck into the offensive zone during the Lakers Friday night 4-3 win over the University of Alaska Fairbanks at Taffey Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

With the exception of Michigan the Lake Superior State University ice hockey team has won at least one game against each of the nationally ranked teams they have faced. Friday night the Lakers showed their talent yet again as they beat the number ten ranked University of Alaska Fairbanks 4-3 at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Just short of halfway through the first period LSSU jumped out to a two goal lead when, within a minute of each other, junior Rick Schofield and senior Brad Cooper each beat Alaska goaltender Scott Greenham. The Schofield goal was his fourth of the year and Coopers third.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Nik Yaremchuk celebrates after scoring against the Lake Superior State Lakers Friday Night at Taffey Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Despite a very near miss off the top bar in the first Alaska was unable to score until two and a half minutes into the second period when Andy Taranto racked up his fourth goal of the year just as a UAF 5 on 3 power play advantage expired. Alaska’s Nik Yaremchuk scored his first of two goals less than three minutes later tying the score at two.

Lake Superior State University's Rick Schofield (left) shoots during the first period of the Lakers Friday night 4-3 win over the University of Alaska Fairbanks at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Rick Schofield scored his second of the night 5:30 into the second making the score 3-2 and giving LSSU back the lead. Laker Simon Gysbers increased the lead to two with what would turn out to be the game winning goal a few minutes later. Schofields two goals and an assist for senior Zac MacVoy on the Gysbers goal moved the two into a tie for the Lakers overall individual points lead.

UAF’s Nik Yaremchuk would close out the scoring in the second, and the game, with a power play goal at 13:42. The two goals were Yaremchuk’s second and third of the season.

Lake Superior State Lakers goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson stops a Ron Meyers (bottom left)shot during the second period Lakers Friday night 4-3 win over the University of Alaska Fairbanks at Taffey Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The third period turned into a defensive struggle. In addition to 3 UAF and one LSSU penalties the period was marked with several offside and icing calls. Lakers goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson, who made 16 saves in the second period, and UAF goaltender Scott Greenham both faced only five shots on goal in the third.

The Lakers and Nanooks will face off again tonight at Taffy Abel arena.

THE FAN ZONE


The Fan Zone 11-20-09 - Images by Eagle Feature & Image

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MSU Tops U of M in CCHA Matchup

Michigan Sate Spartan Jeff Petry (EFI File Photo)

The Michigan State ice hockey team went into Ann Arbor’s Yost Ice Arena Friday night without a win in their last six meetings against their CCHA rivals the Michigan Wolverines. At the final buzzer the Spartans had successfully ended the number six ranked Maize and Blue streak with a 3 – 2 win.

University of Michigan Goalie Bryan Hogan (EFI File Photo)

The Spartans Andrew Rowe started the scoring just under 8 minutes into the first period with an unassisted goal against Michigan goaltender Bryan Hogan. Michigan’s Lee Moffie racked up the Wolverines first score just short of thirteen minutes into the second evening the score at one.

University of Michigans Lee Moffie (EFI File Photo)

State’s Matt Crandell picked up his first assist of the night on a second period goal by Corey Tropp that put the Spartans back up by one. He tallied his second when MSU increased its lead to two on Daulton Levielle’s game winning goal just over a minute into the third.

The Wolverines brought the score back to within one when Matt Hagelins scored his fourth goal of the season as he beat MSU goalie Drew Palmisano just over half way through the third period.

The Wolverines found themselves with a great opportunity to tie the score when, after pulling their goalie, Spartan Captian Jeff Petry went to the penalty box for hooking. The Wolverines where unable to capitalize on the resulting 47 second 6 on 4 advantage giving the Spartans the win.

While the Wolverines seem to be struggling coming off two home losses to Alaska and now a home loss to MSU the Spartans continue to increase their win total against nationally ranked teams. With only four seniors on the roster the young Spartan team has beaten three teams that are currently ranked in the top twelve including a split series with number one Miami.

The Spartans and Wolverines will face off again tonight in Ann Arbor in the final game of the weekend at 7:05. The game will be televised on Comcast.

LSSU Loses One, Splits One With Western

Lake Superior State University’s trip to Kalamazoo this weekend could have been worse but could have been a lot better. The Lakers managed a tie in their Friday night contest against the Western Michigan University Broncos but fell 2 – 1 Saturday. After being swept at home the previous weekend by the fourth ranked Wolverines the Lakers headed into Lawson Ice Arena this weekend at 4-4-0 with only one conference win.

EFI FILE PHOTO - Pat Inglis

The Broncos jumped out to an early lead Friday with two first period scores against LSSU goalie Pat Inglis and one against Brian Mahoney-Wilson. Mahoney-Wilson held the Broncos scoreless through the second and third periods giving the Lakers the opportunity to battle back.

Chad Nehring started the Lakers scoring in the second with Zac MacVoy adding number two just after the start of the third. With less than ten seconds left in the game and an extra attacker on the ice LSSU’s Fred Cassiani tied the score at three, which was the final after neither team could best the other in the subsequent overtime. WMU got the conference standings points after scoring in a shoot out.

EFI FILE PHOTO - Brian Mahoney-Wilson

Lakers head coach Jim Roque gave junior goalie Brain Mahoney-Wilson the starting nod for Saturday night. Mahoney-Wilson faced 38 shots giving up goals to the Broncos Ian Slater in the second period and then Patrick Nargorsen in the third. Mid way through the final period LSSU scoring leader Chad Nehring scored his second goal of the weekend and seventh of the season on the Lakers only power play opportunity of the night. It was the only time the Lakers would beat the Broncos starting goaltender Riley Gill. Gill stopped forty of the Lakers forty-one shots giving him and his team the 2 –1 win.

EFI FILE PHOTO - Chad Nehring

The Lakers will head west to battle CCHA foe the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks next weekend.

Michigan Tops LSSU for First Conference Win

Michigan's Matt Rust (left) wins the opening faceoff from LSSU's Fred Cassiani(right) at the start of the Wolverines Friday night game against the Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The #4 ranked Michigan Wolverine ice hockey team lived up to the reputation of their team namesake in their first CCHA conference game against the Lake Superior State Lakers. Using team speed and a tenacious offensive strategy the Wolverines upset the home team Lakers 5 to 1 Friday night in Sault Ste. Marie.

Michigan's Carl Hagelin and Louie Caporusso chase the puck into the offensive zone during the Wolverines Friday night game against the LSSU Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The maize and blue applied almost constant pressure on the Lakers defense throughout the first period of play that resulted in three scores. Junior forwards Scooter Vaughan, Carl Hagelin and Louie Caporusso all managed to beat LSSU goalkeeper Brian Mahoney-Wilson during the first twenty minutes of play leaving the junior net minder visibly frustrated.

Michigan junior Matt Rust added another U of M goal in the second period and senior Luke Glendening capped off the Wolverines scoring with his first goal of the year late in the third.

LSSU goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson looks up at the overhead scoreboard after giving up a fifth goal to the visiting Michigan Wolverines Friday at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Wolverine attack put the Lakers back on their heels and other than a couple of short bursts in the third period they never seemed to get back on an even footing. Even with six power play opportunities several passing errors and some moments of confusion in the defensive end stifled the Lakers offense and did little help the their efforts to keep the Wolverines offense out of the net.

Michigan goaltender Bryan Hogan sweeps aside a shot during the Wolverines Friday win over the LSSU Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The only LSSU goal came less than three minutes into the third period when Lakers sophomore Brian Cooper scored during a 5 on 3 advantage. The goal was the only of the 25 shots faced by Michigan goalie Bryan Hogan to find the back of the net.

The Lakers and Wolverines will face off again tonight at Taffy Abel Arena at 7:05 p.m.

THE FAN ZONE

LSSU Gets National Poll Vote as They Prepare for U of M

LSSU goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson concentrates on a rolling puck during the third period of the Lakers win over the OSU Buckeyes. (Eagle FI - FILE PHOTO)

Six games into their season and preparing to face the Michigan Wolverines this weekend the Lakers, at 4-2-0 overall, find themselves atop the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) standings and maybe starting to get a little bit of national notice. LSSU received one vote in the latest USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll which now ranks four CCHA teams in the top 20 in the nation including the visiting Wolverines at #5.

Lining up the Lakers and Wolverines on paper it’s hard to give either team a clear edge. Based on poll rankings Michigan has had the tougher of the two schedules but LSSU holds a small edge in points scored per game and an advantage in power play conversions. The conversion advantage could become a factor since the Wolverines have been averaging over seventeen minutes in penalties per game compared to the Lakers nine.

The Wolverines, in what will be their first conference game, will roll into Taffy Abel Arena Friday coming off a tough loss to #4 ranked Boston University. This could make the job of proving preseason forecasters wrong about the Lakers potential that much harder. A LSSU win this weekend might make it difficult for poll voters not to include the Lakers in the national top twenty conversations.

Buckeyes Top Lakers and Split Weekend Series

After dropping their Friday game against Lake Superior State in the Lakers Taffy Abel Arena the Ohio State Buckeyes came back Saturday to claim a 4 – 3 win and split the weekend series at one game apiece.

The Lakers picked up power play goals from junior Chad Nehring and senior Steven Kaunisto along with an even strength score from junior forward Will Acton. Senior Simon Gysbers picked up two assists on the night.

Even though the Lakers gave the Buckeyes several power play opportunities LSSU starting goalie Pat Inglis allowed only one shorthanded goal which was to OSU sophomore Matt Bartkowski during a 5 on 3. The Buckeyes picked up even strength goals from juniors Sergio Somma and Peter Boyd as well as the eventual game winner from junior Patrick Schafer.

The win is the Buckeyes second of the season with their only other victory coming against highly ranked Denver. The loss brings LSSU's record to 4-2-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the conference.

The Lakers will continue their home stand next week against the Michigan Wolverines who are 2-2-0 while the Buckeyes will travel to Notre Dame.

Lakers Claim First Conference Win

OSU's Peter Boyd brings the puck up ice ahead of LSSU's Domenic Monardo Friday night at Taffy Abel Arena.

With only one win so far this season the fast and physical Ohio State Buckeyes went in to Taffy Abel Arena Friday night and tried unsuccessfully to end the Lake Superior State Lakers winning streak at three. The 3 to 2 victory moves LSSU’s record to 4-1-0 overall and gave the Lakers their fist conference win of the season.

OSU's Sergio Somma (44) and linemate Corey Toy (4) head toward the team bench after scoring the first goal in the Buckeyes Friday night game against the LSSU Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Buckeyes drew first blood when just 37 seconds into the second period Sergio Somma scored his first goal of the season with assists from Zac Dalpe and Corey Toy. Matt Bartkowski scored unassisted in the final ten second of the same period to close out OSU’s offensive efforts.

OSU goaltender Dustin Carlson (right) prepares to handle an incoming shot while LSSU's Chad Nehring (left) tries to get into position at the top of the crease second period of the Buckeyes 3 -2 loss to the LSSU Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

After failing to capitalize on a 1:44 five on three chance in the second period when first OSU’s Peter Boyd then Shane Sims went to the box for separate hooking calls LSSU’s Simon Gysbers beat OSU goalie Dustin Carlson just after Boyd had returned to the ice. Gysbers goal, assisted by goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson, evened the score at one a piece.

LSSU goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson stretches to make one of his 32 saves during the Lakers win over the OSU Buckeyes Friday night at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

After falling behind 2-1 at the close of the second Laker Steven Kaunisto scored his first of the season to again even the score only twenty seconds into the third. LSSU pressed hard in the offensive end for most of the third and Lakers starting goalie Brian Mahoney-Wilson stopped 14 shots on goal during the period to hold the OSU scoring total at two. With just over twenty seconds left in the game LSSU’s Rick Schofield went stick side on Dustin Carlson for the game winner bringing LSSU fans in attendance to their feet.

LSSU's Rick Schofield (right) celebrates with linemates, including Zac MacVoy (27) after scoring the game winning goal Friday night at Taffy Abel Arena.

Laker Zac MacVoy picked up his fourth and fifth assists of the year getting credit on both the Kaunisto and Schofield goals.

OSU's Cory Schneider (center) takes a hard hit from LSSU's Will Acton (right) that pushes him into the back of teamate Brandon Martell (5) during the first period of the Buckeyes Friday night game against the LSSU Lakers at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

The hard fought Firday night match is sure to boost the Lakers confidence and strengthen the Buckeyes resolve headed into tonight’s contest.

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LSSU Takes Two From Canisius

Lake Superiior State University goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson watches a rebounding blocked shot go airborne during the third period of the Lakers Saturday night game against the Canisius Griffins.

If score early and better defense where the two things coach Jim Roque told his team prior to the start of Saturday’s game against Buffalo New York’s Canisius University they were listening. Less than five and a half minutes after the opening face-off the Lakers found themselves up by two over the visiting Griffins and junior goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson was on his way to recording his first shut out of the year.

Lake Superiior State University's Tyson Hobbins (center) celebrates with line mates Fred Cassiani (13) and Kyle Pobur (6) after scoring in the first period of the Lakers Saturday night game against the Canisius Griffins.

Just four minutes and twenty seconds into the game the Lakers were able to capitalize on an early power play opportunity when junior year forward Will Acton caught Canisius goal tender Dan Morrison out of position for the Lakers first score. Less than a minute later junior Tyson Hobbins found the net during a fight for the puck in the crease putting the Lakers ahead by two.

Starting the second period with one player already in the penalty box the Lakers defense was forced to step to the plate on the power play kill when just thirty five seconds into the period senior Simon Gysbers also went to the box on a boarding call. For seventeen seconds the Griffins had 5 on 3 but could not score either then or on the balance of the Gysbers penalty.

Lake Superiior State University's Zac MacVoy (27) winds up for a shot on Canisius Griffins goaltender (out of frame left) Dan Morrison as teammate Fred Cassiani (13) looks on during the second period of the Lakers Saturday night game against the Griffins.

LSSU got their own chance to take advantage of a 5 on 3 when Canisius senior Peter MacDougall was joined in the penalty box by senior Carl Hudson. Hudson picked up his second major penalty and second game misconduct of the season giving the Lakers almost six minutes of power play opportunity but they were unable to capitalize.

The Lakers finished off their scoring on a Simon Gysbers goal with just over two minutes left in the second period upping the score to what would be the final, 3 – 0.

Canisius Griffins Vince Scarsella (left) fires a shot at Lake Superiior State University goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson during third period action of the Lakers/Griffins Saturday night game at Taffy Abel Arena.

Even with the only power play opportunity in the third period Canisius was unable to beat LSSU netkeeper junior Brian Mahoney-Wilson. Mahoney-Wilson fended off nine Griffin shots on goal in the third and racked up first shutout of the season bringing his and the teams record for the year to 3-1-0.

The Lakers now have six days to prepare for their first conference opponent, the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes and Lakers will face off for two games next weekend at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

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LSSU Takes Home Opener Over Canisius

LSSU Lakers Ben Power (#22) and Canisius Griffins Chris Barrea (rear) chase a loose puck into the corner during the third period of the Griffins 5-4 loss to Lakers Friday night in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

With the score even at four goals a side in the third period it looked like there was a chance that the fifth meeting of the Lake Superior State Lakers and the Canisius Griffins could have ended regulation play the same as the previous four, tied. That was until almost eight minutes into the period when the Lakers Brad Cooper put in the winning goal giving LSSU a 5-4 home opener win over their non-conference foes Friday night in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Canisius Griffin goalkeeper Dan Morrison (#30) prepares for a shot from a charging LSSU Lakers Will Acton (#21) during the second period of the Griffins 5-4 loss to Lakers Friday night in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

The Lakers came out charging hard in the first period at times looking like they were on a continuous power play keeping the Griffins on their heels and outshooting them 14 to 5. LSSU went into the locker room at the first intermission up by two with goals from Tyson Hobbins and John Scymgeour.

Canisius Griffins Cory Conacher (19) gets congratulated by the Griffins bench after scoring his third goal of the second period against the LSSU Lakers Friday night in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

The Lakers drew first blood less than two minutes into the second when Brad Cooper scored the first of his two goals for the night but the Griffins Cory Conacher and Vince Scarsella took over the scoring from there. Conacher managed to get by Lakers netkeeper Brian Mahoney-Wilson three times in the period with assists from Scarsella on each giving him a hat trick and evening the score at three with just under four minutes left in the period.

LSSU’s Domenic Monardo beat Canisius goal tender Dan Morrison less than a minute into the third and put the Lakers up 4-3. Just over six minutes later the Griffins Ryan Klusendorf scored from between the face off circles to tie the score for the second time of the night. Less than forty five seconds later Brad Cooper scored his second, and the game winner, from just outside the goal crease.

LSSU Lakers goalkeeper Brian Mahoney-Wilson during third period action of the Lakers 5-4 win over the Canisius Griffins Friday night in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Canisius averaged over nine penalties per game in their first two outings of the year but with only three penalties handed out to Canisius and two to LSSU during the course of the game power plays were not a big factor for either team. Canisius goaltender Dan Morrison faced a total of 38 shots while the Lakers Brian Mahoney-Wilson was challenged only 17 times.

Canisius Griffin Carl Hudson (#2) gets his feet taken out from under him by a sliding LSSU Lakers Zac MacVoy (right) during the closing minutes of the Griffins 5-4 loss to Lakers Friday night in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

The Lakers and Griffins will face off again tonight, Saturday, to complete their two game series at 7:05 p.m. at LSSU’s Taffy Abel Arena.

LSSU Hockey Home Opener

The Lake Superior State University Lakers will host Buffalo, New York’s Canisius tonight at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie. One of the highlights of LSSU’s Great Lakes State Weekend the game will be the Laker's 2009/10 season home opener.

The Canisius Griffins have matched up against the Lakers, 1-1 so far this season, just four times in the past and all four meetings have resulted in ties at the end of regulation play. The Griffins, also 1-1, should provide the Lakers with a good challenge and confidence building opportunity. With most of its 08/09 squad returning to the ice this year Canisius has showed enough promise to garner at least one vote in the USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Division I Men's Poll.

After losing three of his four top scorers from last year this weekends non-conference games might be a great chance for Lakers coach Jim Roque to fine tune his offense before facing conference foes Ohio State next weekend.

2009 Top 'O' Michigan Marathon Nationals

Indian Rivers Jim Powell races through traffic during Sunday action at the 2009 Top 'O' Michigan Marathon Nationals

Photos and Story - Kevin Johnston Eagle Feature & Image.

Looking out onto a very calm Burt Lake from the pit area in Indian River, Michigan’s DeVoe park the casual observer might have thought the 2009 Top ‘O’ Michigan Marathon Nationals boat race was going to be little more than a speedy pleasure cruise. Veteran Top ‘O’ racers like local favorite Jim Powell knew better though.

Prior to the start of Saturdays leg of the Marathon Powell noted southeast wind direction that he knew, even if light by recent Top ‘O’ standards, would make the return across the large Mullet Lake extremely difficult and he was right.

Jim Ladd (D444M) and other DSR drivers race away from the beach at the start of the 2009 Top 'O' Michigan Marathon Nationals

A field of eighty three boats lined up to start the 09 Top ‘O’ but after mechanical breakdowns, wave damaged hulls, at least one tossed Superlight co-pilot and a few runabout drivers who got wet early less than sixty five managed to make the day one finish line. Almost every driver who discussed it agreed that getting into rhythm with the waves was almost impossible. “There was no clean water” said BSR driver Amanda Hagrel.

On Sundays southern run it was Crooked Lakes turn to challenge racers. Very choppy sections of the lake seemed to slow down the normally faster classes keeping the competition tight and grouping almost the entire field into a steady flow of battling boats. Cheering fans that lined the riverbanks yelled and waved to the drivers as they battled their way back through the Crooked River towards Burt Lake.

A great field of more than a dozen ASR drivers turned out to compete for the National Champion title and in the end it was young Top ‘O’ veteran Nick Jenkins beating out Stephen McCourtie and Terry Kerr. ASR class also had the largest number of female competitors including sisters Anne and Lynn Blomberg of Harbor Springs.

Alanson's Gene Greenacre tries to close the gap BSR driver Amanda Hagerl (not pictured) on Sunday.

The BSR class was anyone’s to win. Eventual winner Gene Greenacre took full advantage of the tough weekend had by his top rival’s Chris and Amanda Hagrel finishing first both days to take the title. “All three of us were pretty much side by side up to Dodge Point” on Mullet Lake on Saturday said Greenacre. “Its the closest we’ve ever all been together.” said the now three time marathon winner. With Chris Hagerl unable to finish Saturday and his sister Amanda suffering an engine failure Crooked Lake Sunday Greenacre just needed finish clean to take the win.

Driver Charlie Smith on his way to repeating as 2sSSR Top 'O' National Champion.

After spinning out before even rounding the fist buoy, returning 25SSR Champ Charlie Smith showed no fear of the mighty Top ‘O’ course as he not only finished first in his class both days but led the entire field including 25SSR second and third place finishers Adam Lowe and Robert Austin across the finish line both days as well.

After his long winning streak was ended last year by Canadian driver Kim Park CSR driver Tim Ross topped the largest class in the event to regain his National Champion title. Finishing second behind Park on Saturday Ross jumped into the lead on Sunday and didn’t look back. Park, who suffered engine trouble, finished way back in the pack giving Ross a 2nd and 1st place finishes and the points he needed to reclaim the title. Driver Steve Bolhuis also capitalized on the opportunity to take second place honors and even with problems Park managed a third overall.

DSR driver Josh Pearson makes a Sunday charge up the Crooked River during the 2009 Top 'O' Michigan Marathon Nationals.

Those who follow the Top ‘O’ can tell you that one of the best ongoing marathon rivalries is between DSR drivers Josh Pearson and Nick Ladd. “Nick Ladd gave me a present this year” said Pearson. Ladd failed to finish Saturday after breaking a seam on his boat bottom on Mullet Lake. Ladd had passed Pearson but after building a short five second lead broke down. “I saw him passing me and he looked over and waved at me.” said Pearson. Taking the win on Saturday Pearson was followed to the line by Ladd’s brother Jim. Returning out of Crooked Lake Sunday Jim Ladd was ahead of Pearson and in position to challenge for the title but a great strategic move on Josh’s part got him into the lead and on his way to his fifth overall and first back to back Top ‘O’ Championship with the Ladd brothers rounding off the podium, Jim second and Nick third.

JSR driver JR Broge heads into the Indian River during Saturday racing action at the 2009 Top 'O' Michigan Marathon Nationals.

There are a couple of good things about having only three entrants in your class. First is that you will finish on the podium and if it’s the JSR class it means you will gain some great Top ‘O’ experience. That’s the way it shaped up for this years JSR drivers. JR Broge took the top spot followed by Katie Jewell and William Affholter.

Superlight Bandit class top finishers Mike Green and Sally Johnson topped second place Led and Robert Hallenbeck and third place Charlie Brockway and Bryan Dycoff.

Tracey Phillips (left) and Matt Cupps (right) lead the Outlaw Superlights into the Indian River during the start of the 2009 Top 'O' Michigan Marathon Nationals.

If anyone in boat racing has a target on their back it is Harbor Spring residents Tracey Phillips and Matt Cupps who again win at the Top ‘O’ and continue their dominance of the Superlight Outlaw class. Shane Venier and Tina Honeysette gave it their best shot but had to settle for second just ahead of Mike and Linda Venier who claimed this year’s third place.

X class Superlight driver Scott Honeysette heads into the Indian River for his first time winners swim at the 2009 Top 'O' Michigan Marathon Nationals.

X-class Top ‘O’ racer Brian Lauer looked almost refreshed and well rested at the conclusion of Saturdays racing action but that’s probably because he had turned over the tiller to his long time co-pilot Ken Honeysette’s son Scott Honeysette. The Honeysette team drove the number 38 Superlight to the class win earning Scott his first Superlight title and the traditional first time winners swim in the Indian River. Jeff Howie and Lake Astin took second while Mark Hodorek and Gary Kowalewski finally claim a podium spot in third. It was a tough year, “there was a lot of reading the wind in the rivers this year” said Hoderek after excepting his award.

At race end, other than a few bruises and with some in need of minor hull repairs the 2009 event was injury free. This years marathon “went over real well, I’m real happy with it” said race director Tom Fairbairn. “Looking forward to 2010, if we could get to over a hundred boats I’d be the happiest guy in the world.”. The addition a “Classics” class to this years race drew four entrants who ran a short course that took them up the Indian River out into Mullet Lake and back.