LAKER NOTES: An old hockey rivalry renewed in Bemidji

The Lake Superior State hockey team will make its first trip to Bemidji, Minn., since March 3, 1974, when it takes on old-time NAIA rival Bemidji State in a non-conference series on Friday and Saturday.

The Lakers (8-5-3), who are hoping to extend their four-game win streak, have an all-time record of 20-16-1 against the Beavers. Last season, the two teams split a series in Sault Ste. Marie with the Lakers winning 5-4 in overtime on Dec. 3 and losing 3-1 on Dec. 4. Senior BJ Pelkey scored a goal in both games for LSSU.

The teams will play at 7:35 p.m. CST on Friday and 7:05 p.m. CST on Saturday at John S. Glas Fieldhouse. The games will also be televised statewide in Minnesota by Charter Communications.

The LSSU-BSU rivalry dates back to the beginning of Laker hockey, prior to Lake Superior State joining the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and assuming NCAA Division I status. The Lakers won their second NAIA national title in 1974 by beating the Beavers 4-3 in Bemidji, Minn.

The college hockey scene has dramatically changed since those days. BSU went on to become an NAIA and NCAA III powerhouse until it became a Division I program in 1999-00. This year the 17th-ranked Beavers are 9-3-0 overall and leading College Hockey America with a 4-2-0 record. They are 1-1 against CCHA opponents after splitting a series with Ferris State Nov. 18-19.

LSSU, which has won four straight games for the first time since the 1997-98 season, is 2-0 against CHA competition after sweeping Robert Morris Nov. 25-26. More importantly, the Lakers are 4-3-1 against ranked opponents.

One of the reasons for the Lakers’ recent win streak is its improved power play. LSSU was 7-for-29 (.241) on the power play during its four-game homestand after going 0-for-10 at Ohio State Nov. 18-29. They also came from behind in two of the four victories.

LSSU continues to be among the nation’s defensive leaders. The Lakers are ranked sixth nationally in average goals-allowed at 2.13 and junior goaltender Jeff Jakaitis is ninth at 2.09. Jakaitis will face a tough challenge from BSU junior goalie Layne Sedevie, who is ranked third nationally in goals-against (1.67) and save percentage (.943) and leads the CHA in both categories.

The LSSU line of senior Nathan Ward, junior Trent Campbell and freshman Troy Schwab accounted for three of the Lakers’ seven goals last weekend against Alaska Fairbanks.

Campbell (5-5—10) and junior Jeff Rainville (4-6—10) currently lead the Lakers in scoring. Junior Dominic Osman (6-2—8) is LSSU’s top goal scorer, while junior Barnabas Birkeland (1-6—7) is the team’s top-scoring defenseman.

This weekend’s series begins a three-week, seven-game road stretch for the Lakers.

*** SCHWAB NAMED CCHA ROOKIE OF THE WEEK:

Lake Superior State freshman forward Troy Schwab was named Central Collegiate Hockey Association Rookie of the Week after helping the Lakers to a 4-2, 3-2 sweep over Alaska Fairbanks last weekend.

Schwab had an assist on Friday and a third-period game-tying goal on Saturday for the Lakers (8-5-3), who have won four games in a row for the first time since the 1997-98 season.

The LSSU line of senior Nathan Ward, junior Trent Campbell and Schwab was responsible for three of the the Lakers' seven goals for the weekend.

*** LAKER BASKETBALL BROADCAST SCHEDULE:

Radio Soo has announced its broadcast schedule for the 2005-06 Lake Superior State men's and women's basketball season. This schedule is subject to changes and additions.

All games broadcast on WSOO 1230 AM will be simulcast live on www.lssulakers.com.

Broadcast schedule:

Thursday, Dec. 8: at Findlay (M only) Saturday, Dec. 10: at Northwood (M and W) Friday, Dec. 16: Ferris State (W only) Wednesday, Dec. 28: Indianapolis (W only) Thursday, Jan. 5: Northern Michigan (M and W) Saturday, Jan. 7: Michigan Tech (M and W)>br> Thursday, Jan. 12: at Grand Valley State (M and W) Thursday, Jan. 19: Gannon (M and W) Thursday, Feb. 2: Grand Valley State (M and W) Thursday, Feb. 9: at Northern Michigan (M and W) Thursday, Feb. 16: at Saginaw Valley State (M and W) Wednesday, Feb. 22: Northwood (M and W)

*** LAKER MEN FALL TO ALMA:

Alma took advantage of 21 Lake Superior State turnovers to win Saturday's non-conference men's basketball game, 83-68, on its home court.

The Scotts (2-3) led from start to finish and had four players reach double figures. They took a 38-30 command at halftime.

Ryan Kuhl led LSSU with 15 points and six rebounds, while Matt Miller had 12 points and Tim VanOudheusden added 11. Dave Zeitlin led the Lakers in assists with four and had two steals.

The Lakers resume conference play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Findlay.

***

(Courtesy of the LSSU Sports Information Department)