Nebraska-Omaha claims Game 1 of series

SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State and Nebraska-Omaha ended their string of overtime contests and ties with the Mavericks' 3-2 victory Friday at Taffy Abel Arena.

LSSU and UNO entered this weekend's Central Collegiate Hockey Association series with a history of five straight overtime contests, including four that ended in ties. Both teams also tied in regulation last weekend during both games of their respective series.

Nebraska-Omaha (10-4-3 overall, 6-4-3-2 CCHA) finished 1-for-4 on the power play to make the difference in the game. Tomas Klempa tallied the game-winning power-play goal at 16:49 of the second period, which was 1:56 after teammate Nick Fanto tallied the unassisted game-tying goal.

LSSU (4-7-6 overall, 3-5-5-1 CCHA) also scored two second-period goals to take a 2-1 lead. Fred Cassiani scored his sixth goal of the season at 2:23 with Josh Sim and Troy Schwab picking up assists. Cassiani's goal came three second after the Lakers' third power play had ended.

Schwab gave LSSU a 2-1 lead with an even-strength goal at 13:36 of the second period. Rick Schofield and Chad Nehring were credited with the assists on Schwab's seventh goal of the season.

Eddie Del Grosso, who leads all CCHA defensemen in points with 2-15--17, scored UNO's first goal of the game at 7:40 of the first period.

LSSU out-shot Nebraska-Omaha 11-7 during the scoreless third period. Lake Superior State pulled goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson in favor of an extra attacker with one minute remaining.

LSSU finished 0-for-6 on the power play.

UNO goaltender Jeremie Dupont and Mahoney-Wilson both totaled 24 saves.

The Lakers and Mavericks meet again at 7:05 p.m. Saturday. Fans are asked to bring a stuffed animal to toss on the ice when the Lakers score their first goal. All of the items donated during the third annual Teddy Bear Toss will be donated to local charities and shelters.

Box Score