LSSU signs a defenseman and goaltender

SAULT STE. MARIE – Defenseman Eric Drapluk of Pembroke Pine, Fla., and goaltender Tyler Marble of Howell, Mich., have signed National Letters of Intent to play hockey at Lake Superior State.

Drapluk, who is 6-1, 180 pounds, has played the last two seasons for the Coulee Region Chill of the North American Hockey League. Through 22 games this season, he is second on the team in defenseman scoring with 10 assists and a +3 plus-minus rating. Last season, he totaled 3-24—27 and was +5 in 55 games. Coulee Region (8-11) is currently fourth in the NAHL Midwest Division.

“Eric is a right-handed defenseman and the captain of his team,” LSSU coach Jim Roque said. “He is a good leader. He’s not an all-out offensive guy, but not a stay-at-home ‘D’ either. He gives us another right-handed shot, which we need, and is a good replacement for Kyle Haines. He’s tall, but needs to get stronger. He skates really well.”

Marble verbally committed to LSSU two years ago and has one more season of junior hockey eligibility. His future will be determined by whether LSSU sophomore goaltender Kevin Kapalka opts to stay at Lake Superior State or turn pro following the 2011-12 season.

“He’s having a great year in Wellington,” Roque said. “He played in Traverse City last year and decided to try playing in Canada this year. He’s putting up good numbers on a really good team that could go a long way. His maturity is starting to catch up with his talent. He’s athletic, and wants to come here when he has the best chance to play.”

Marble, who is 6-1, 175 pounds, began the 2011-12 season with the Humbolt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, where he was 2-4 with a 2.96 goals-against average and .884 save percentage. He is currently 6-0 with the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Marble is ranked fifth in the OJHL in goals-against at 1.83 and has a .948 save percentage. Wellington is 15-1 in the OJHL East Division.

No. 13 LSSU (9-3-2), whose roster includes four seniors, plays host to second-ranked Notre Dame at 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena.