SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.- Lake Superior State fell to long-time rival Ferris State in the first of a two-game Western Collegiate Hockey Association matchup by a score of 4-1.
The Lakers (8-25-2, 7-19-1 WCHA) jumped to an early one-goal lead over the Bulldogs (15-19-2, 12-14-1 WCHA) but gave up the final four goals unanswered.
Freshman goaltender Gordon Defiel was given the nod for the Lakers against the Bulldogs' senior captain, CJ Motte. Defiel picked up 30 saves on the evening and now sits just 10 saves shy of former Laker Jeff Jakaitis' single-season record of 1,059 saves. Motte needed just 21 saves to secure his 63rd career victory.
The Lakers struck first with a goal by senior Stephen Perfetto (10-7--17) to go ahead 1-0 just 3:10 into the first period. His linemate, sophomore Gus Correale (3-6--9), fed Perfetto on a perfect lead pass to set the scoring play in motion. Junior Eric Drapluk (3-6--9) also assisted on the play.
After a LSSU goal was disallowed, the Bulldogs responded with six minutes left in the period on Gerald Mayhew's eighth goal of the year. Andrew Dorantes and Dom Panetta assisted. Mayhew's tally knotted the game 1-1 heading into the middle frame.
The Bulldogs took a lead they wouldn't relinquish during the second period with a pair of goals including Zach Szajner's first career goal. Dom Panetta picked up the first of his two assists on the evening on the game-winning strike.
Both teams exchanged heavy-weight blows in the final period but both goalies stood tall. The Lakers fell victim to an empty-net goal by Mayhew with 21 seconds remaining. It was Mayhew who also started the Bulldogs' scoring for the night.
Neither team capitalized on the game's 10 power-play opportunities. The Lakers were 0-for-6 and the Bulldogs were 0-for-4. Final shots on goal was 34-22 in favor of the Bulldogs.
The Lakers will finish the regular season Saturday evening as they remain tied in the WCHA standings with Alabama-Huntsville, who lost 7-0 to Bowling Green Friday evening. The Lakers need just a loss or a tie from Alaska-Anchorage Friday evening to secure their first WCHA playoff bid.
The Lakers will honor their three seniors Saturday evening immediately following the game. The puck drops at 7:07 p.m., and tickets for Civil Service employees and their families are offered at a discounted rate of $6 for adults and $3 for children.
