Lakers pick up two defensemen, two goaltenders and a forward during spring signing period

SAULT STE. MARIE – The Lake Superior State hockey team picked up two goaltenders, two defensemen and a forward during the spring recruiting period to complete its 10-member recruiting class.

Defensemen Andrew Perrault (Grand Coulee, Sask.) and Matt Brunteau (Omaha, Neb.), and goaltender Kevin Kapalka (Mississauga, Ont.) signed National Letters of Intent, while goaltender Niels-Erik Ravn (Boucherville, Que.) and forward Nick Shkreli (Leonard, Mich.) are coming to LSSU in 2010-11 as preferred walk-ons.

They join a recruiting class that also includes Fall 2009 signees Colin Campbell (6-0, 180 forward, Pickering, Ont.) and Zach Sternberg (6-0, 190 defenseman, Toronto, Ont.), and Spring 2009 signees Kellan Lain (6-4, 205 forward, Oakville, Ont.), Kyle Jean (6-4, 210 forward, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) and Dan Radke (5-10, 180 forward, Orinda, Cal.). Sophomore forward Brett Wall, who played for the Lakers in 2008-09 and competed in the North American Hockey League in 2009-10, is returning to the squad this season.

“We lost eight seniors last year and have a class of 10 coming in,” LSSU coach Jim Roque said. “They have really helped our depth, especially on defense where I thought we were a little thin last year. I’m excited about the goalies. Next year we won’t be forced to recruit a goalie to replace Brian Mahoney-Wilson. They can take over when Brian leaves.

“Overall, this class is going to give us competition for spots. They will make it fierce this season. I give a lot of credit to Tim Christian and Rich Metro for bringing those guys in. Tim doesn’t take someone just to take someone. He takes his time, makes sure the player will fit into the team and have an opportunity to play. We don’t want to recruit kids to positions where there is no chance for them to play. We expect all of them to be integral parts of the team during their careers.”

Perrault, who is 6-1, 195 pounds, totaled six goals and 30 assists for the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in 2009-10. He was second on the team in assists and fourth in points. Perrault and LSSU junior Kyle Haines are former Weyburn teammates.

“He’s from the same mold as (former Laker defenseman Steven) Kaunisto,” Roque said. “He’s a left-handed defenseman with good skills. As is normal (with freshmen), he needs to get a lot stronger, but he’s expected to compete for playing time right away and help on the power play.”

Bruneteau, a 5-10, 190-pound defenseman, is the first Nebraska native to play for the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. He contributed two goals and four assists while serving as the Stars’ captain in 2009-10.

“He’s a tough, hard-nosed defenseman and is going to compete right away for playing time,” Roque said. “He’s physically ready to play at the Division I level. He played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s for four years and is probably ahead of a lot of freshmen as far as having the physical qualities needed to compete against older players. I’d call him a stay-at-home defenseman who can take on the other team’s good players. He has great leadership qualities.”

Kapalka, a 6-1, 190-pound goaltender, was 22-14-7 with a 2.84 goals-against average and .923 save percentage for the Vaughan Vipers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. He led the OJHL in minutes played and saves, was second in save percentage, fifth in wins and sixth in goals against.

“We’re looking at Kevin to come in and compete with Brian for the No. 1 spot,” Roque said. “He was the OJHL Goalie of the Year and had a really good season. He’s a big kid, fills the net and had a ton of shots on him last year.”

Ravn, who is originally from France, was 26-14-3 for the Ottawa Junior Senators with a 2.74 GAA and .920 save percentage. He was second in the Central League in save percentage and fourth in goals against.

“Ravn also had an outstanding season,” Roque said. “He’s lived in North America for only five years. He showed up at Ottawa three years ago and was a starter the last two years. He’s very athletic and a lot like Brian as far as his outlook on goaltending. He’s very serious and dedicated to his position. He’s an engineering major with a 4.0 GPA.”

Shkreli, a 5-10, 180-pound forward, is one of three rookies coming from the Traverse City North Stars coached by former Lakers Anthony Palumbo and Mike Matteucci. He was fifth on the team in points with 13 goals and 29 assists in 45 games.

“We’ve known about Nick since his midget years when he played for (former Laker) Dean Dixon in Lansing,” Roque said. “He’s a good player – a good skater with skills. He reminds me a lot of Trent Campbell. He’s going to be offensive and a regular in the lineup at some point.”

Shkreli, Jean and Radke led the North Stars to a 33-20-5 record and the North American Junior Hockey League North Division title. They missed the Robertson Cup finals due to a goal differential tie-breaker. Jean totaled 15-11—26 in 34 games, and Radke was third on the team in regular-season points with 21-26—47 in 58 games. They combined to score eight goals in 10 playoff games.

Kapalka and Campbell were teammates at Vaughan. Campbell totaled 32-44—76 during the regular season and 3-2—5 in five playoff games. He is ranked 157^th on the NHL Scouting List and received the OJHL Top (NHL) Prospects Award.

Sternberg finished with 4-34—38 in 61 games for Nepean of the CJHL. Lain was injured during most of last season and totaled 8-9—17 in 16 games for Oakville of the OJHL, but he finished strong and was named Dudley Hewitt Cup Most-Valuable Player. Wall, of Huber Heights, Ohio, contributed 9-24—33 in 58 games for Alexandria of the NAHL.

“A lot of them are receiving academic money,” Roque noted. “They are really good students…Jean, Campbell and Lane are really skilled guys. Radke had a real good year. Jean, Shkreli, Radke and Lane all went to the national tournament.”