December 8, 2009

Lakers look to continue winning against Wildcats

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Laker Superior State will finish out the 2009 portion of the hockey season with a home series against Northern Michigan at 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena.

Heading into this weekend, LSSU (8-7-3 overall, 5-6-1-0 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) is within five points of fourth-place Alaska in the CCHA standings. After sweeping a series at Bowling Green State last weekend, the Lakers have 16 point. Northern Michigan (6-6-4 overall, 5-4-3-0 CCHA) is tied for fifth with Notre Dame after splitting last weekends series with second-place Michigan State.

"These are huge games this weekend, LSSU coach Jim Roque said during "Laker Hockey Live" Monday at Moloney's Alley. "We really need to establish something this weekend. It's our last games before Christmas and we want to head home with confidence and come back ready to go."

Last weekend's 2-1 and 5-2 wins at Bowling Green State marked the Lakers' first road sweep since 2006-07, which is when they last advanced to the CCHA semifinals at Joe Louis Arena.

LSSU junior forward Rick Schofield, who has 5-6-11 in conference play, leads the Lakers in points and is tied NMU's Ray Kaunisto for ninth in scoring during games against CCHA opponents. Overall, Schofield is tied for tenth in points with 6-9-15.

LSSU senior forward Zac MacVoy (2-11-13) leads LSSU and is tied for fourth in the CCHA in assists.

The Lakers and Wildcats will play four regular-season games against each while contending for the Father Cappo Cup. NMU has had the cup for the past two years and won last year's total-goals series, 14-9.

"We have to play our game hard and not get caught up with Northern," Roque said. "They are a good team and have a lot of good players."

The Wildcats' Mark Olver (10-9-19) leads NMU in points and goals for the season. Olver sits in third place in overall CCHA scoring.

LSSU's senior defenseman Steven Kaunisto and his cousin, NMU's senior forward Ray Kaunisto, who both hail from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., will face off against each other for the last time at the Taffy Abel Arena in regular-season play. Ray's younger brother, Kory, a freshman, will be making his first collegiate appearance in the Sault.

Laker Hockey will air live on Yes-FM 99.5 with a free audio feed on www.yesfm.net. Listen to the Pre-game show on Talk Radio 1400 at 6:00 p.m. A pay-per-view feed is available on the B2 network.

The annual Stuffed Toy Toss will take place Saturday when the Lakers score their first goal. Toys thrown onto the ice will be donated to children's services and local youth organizations.

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