Lakers go in search of the Cappo Cup

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

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Lakers wrap up Cappo Cup series versus NMU at home Saturday

SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State and Northern Michigan wrap up the four-game Cappo Cup series when they meet at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena.

After sweeping an early-December home-and-home series against NMU, the Lakers are in contention to win the Father Cappo Cup for the first time since the 1999-00 season when they won three of four games and out-scored the Wildcats, 13-8. LSSU leads this year’s series, 7-2.

Prior to Saturday’s contest, LSSU and NMU will play at 7:35 p.m. Friday at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. Both games will be broadcast live on Rock 101 and simulcast on www.lssulakers.com.

LSSU (14-11-3 overall, 8-9-3 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) and NMU (11-17-2 overall, 8-13-1 CCHA) are among six teams packed in the middle of the league standings and within six points of each other. Heading into Friday’s game, the Lakers and Western Michigan are tied for seventh place and enjoy a two-point lead over the Wildcats. The Lakers trail fourth-place Michigan State by six points.

Senior goaltender Jeff Jakaitis stopped all 31 shots to lead LSSU to a 2-0 victory over NMU on Dec. 1 and end the Lakers’ seven-game losing streak against the Wildcats. He also recorded his school-record 10th career shutout with the win. Senior forward Dominic Osman led the Lakers offensively with a goal and an assist.

Senior forwards Trent Campbell (2-0—2), Jeff Rainville (0-2—2) and Derek R. Smith (1-1—2), junior defenseman Derek A. Smith (1-1—2) and sophomore forward Troy Schwab (0-2—2) contributed two points each in the Lakers’ 5-2 victory over NMU on Dec. 2. Freshman goaltender Pat Inglis totaled a season-high 37 saves.

The wins were a big turnaround from last season’s 0-4 finish against NMU during which the Wildcats outscored the Lakers, 14-6. They were also the start of a great month for the Lakers, who enjoyed a four-game unbeaten streak.

LSSU is hoping last weekend’s home split with Ohio State is the sign of another turnaround. Last Friday’s 4-2 victory over the Buckeyes snapped a four-game losing streak. The Lakers lost 5-3 last Saturday, but battled back from a 3-0 deficit to within one goal. They gave fans an exciting finish as coach Jim Roque began pulling goalie Pat Inglis in favor of an extra attacker with six minutes to go. Both teams scored a goal during that late-game rally.

The OSU series was a definite turning point for Campbell, who ended his 11-game goal-scoring drought after tallying a goal in both games. He reunited with Schwab and Josh Sim on the “Saskatchewan Line,” which totaled 5-2—7 for the weekend. Rainville also scored a goal in both games.

NMU is coming off 5-2 and 6-1 road losses to Nebraska-Omaha. The Wildcats have lost three in a row since winning three straight. They opened the second half of the season with a home split against Ferris State and a road split at Michigan.

Junior forward Mike Santorelli, who is ranked fifth in the CCHA in scoring at 25-15—40 and second in the league in game-winning goals with five, leads the Wildcats.

Notes: Don’t forget to visit www.hobeybaker.com and cast your vote for LSSU senior goaltender Jeff Jakaitis. Fan voting runs through March 4…Jakaitis is also a finalist for the Pontiac Frozen Four Skills Challenge. Fans can go to www.ncaasports.com and vote through Feb. 12…Look for the Lambros Blimp to drop certificates for special prizes during intermission on Saturday…Children ages 5-11 can still submit applications for the CCHA Fun Clinic at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the Norris Center. Late entries are being accepted due to late distribution by the local schools.

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