Haines and Kapalka named CCHA Players of the Week
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Lake Superior State earned two Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s Player of the Week honors following back-to-back shootout victories over Bowling Green Dec. 3-4.
Junior defenseman Kyle Haines is the CCHA’s Defenseman of the Week for the second time in four weeks. He notched the game-tying goal Saturday and was a +2 for the weekend series against Bowling Green. Haines blocked eight shots in two games and totaled three shots on goal.
Freshman goaltender Kevin Kapalka allowed two goals and totaled 68 saves as LSSU tied BGSU 1-1 both nights and won both shootouts by 2-1 margins. Kapalka gave LSSU its first back-to-back shootout victories against league opponents. His 36 saves on Friday was a personal and team season high.
Kapalka is ranked first in the CCHA in save percentage .948 and second in goals-against average 1.59. He is ranked 11th nationally in overall save percentage .928. Kapalka also shared player of the week honors with Haines four weeks ago when the Lakers swept Ferris State.
The CCHA Offensive Player of the Week was Northern Michigan’s Tyler Gron, who totaled 3-1—4 against Western Michigan. NMU’s Erik Higby, with 1-2—3, was named rookie of the week.
