SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State dropped its second exhibition matchup of the season's opening weekend on Sunday evening at Taffy Abel Arena. The Lakers fell 2-1 to the United States National Team Development Program U-18 Team in a game that needed overtime to decide the winner.
Sophomore Scott Patterson, who scored the game-winning goal of the Blue vs. Gold scrimmage, opened the scoring for the Lakers late in the second period. Senior Zach Loesch assisted on Patterson's goal by tipping a shot from the point by freshman Matt McArdle. Loesch's deflection was scooped by Patterson and fired past the sprawling Joseph Woll. Loesch and freshman Matt McArdle were credited with the assists on Patterson's goal.
The Lakers took a 1-0 lead into the second intermission while holding a shot-margin of 20-13. The Lakers were unsuccessful on their four power-play opportunities during the first two periods.
Sophomore goaltender Gordon Defiel played 42:26 minutes in net before head coach Damon Whitten gave freshman Nick Kossoff time between the pipes. Defiel finished with 16 saves and did not allow a goal.
Kossoff played 22:27 minutes, including the overtime period and allowed a pair of goals and made 10 saves.
Woll carried the U-18s with his spectacular play in net. Woll played the entire game and made 26 saves on 27 shots.
Clayton Keller opened the scoring for the U-18 Team, tying the game 1-1 with 13:57 remaining in the final period. Chad Krys and Adam Fox were credited with the assists.
The game-winning goal was scored by Patrick Khoddrenko and assisted by Fox and Lindgren. Khoddrenko chipped the puck into Kossoff's butterfly position and the freshman was unable to locate the bouncing puck before the red light flashed.
Both teams were called for five minor penalties during the game. Both goals by the U-18s came on the power play.
The Lakers were unsuccessful on their five power-play chances.
The Lakers head to Portland, Maine, next weekend to participate in the annual Ice Breaker Tournament. The Lakers will play North Dakota at 4:30 p.m. Friday and Michigan State at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
