SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State opened a two-game weekend series with Arizona State with a 3-2 loss against collegiate hockey's newest team.
The upstart Sun Devils (4-6-0) defeated the Lakers (2-7-2, 0-2-2 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) despite being outshot 26-25.
Gordon Defiel (1-5-2) started in net for the Lakers and appeared to be up to the task during the first period before the Sun Devils were able to capitalize on a pair of goals in the second period and the game-winning goal in the final period.
Ryland Pashovitz made 24 saves, allowing just the two goals, in the winning effort.
With 6:22 remaining in the first period and the Lakers on the power play, Gus Correale was whistled for hauling down Anthony Croston on a breakaway. Croston was awarded a penalty shot but was turned aside easily by Defiel.
Both teams skated through the opening frame scoreless with the Lakers leading in shots 11-10.
Defenseman James Roll (1-2--3) opened the scoring with 11:21 remaining in the middle period on a long distance shot from the blue line. The power-play goal, coming on a five-on-three advantage for the Lakers, was assisted by Gus Correale (0-3--3) and Anthony Nellis (0-4--4).
Ryan Stevens took a feed from Liam McGing moments later and scored a power-play tally to knot the game at 1-1. Joey Raats also assisted on the goal by Stevens.
The Sun Devils took a 2-1 lead 2:06 minutes later with a bang-bang play from off of the faceoff. Joe Lappin scored on a feed from Jordan Masters behind the Lakers goal.
Propelled by a 12-6 margin in shots during the second period, ASU took a 22-17 lead in shots to the dressing rooms for the second intermission.
52 seconds after the second break Lappin gave the Sun Devils a 3-1 advantage with his second goal of the game. Matt Kennedy assisted on the goal, as did Jordan Masters for his second assist of the contest.
Freshman blue liner Owen Headrick (2-1—3) brought the game to 3-2 on a four-on-three advantage but that would be the final tally for either team. J.T. Henke (5-3—8) and Nellis added the assists.
The Lakers were unable to register a tying goal despite consistent pressure and multiple chances with Defiel pulled in lieu of the extra attacker.
LSSU finished 2-6 on the power play, while the Sun Devils scored on their only power-play opportunity of the game.
The teams conclude the series Saturday night at 7:07 p.m.
