SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State opened the first game of their Western Collegiate Hockey Association weekend series against Ferris State with a 1-0 loss.
The Lakers (3-9-3, 1-3-3 WCHA) were unable to capitalize on any of their 19 shots as freshman goaltender Darren Smith picked up his first-career shutout for the Bulldogs (6-5-4, 5-4-2 WCHA).
Gordon Defiel made the start between the pipes for the Lakers and appeared to be up to the task, saving 31-of-32 shots by the Bulldogs. Defiel's lone blemish came during the first period on a line-rush by the Bulldogs that led to the game's only goal.
Simon Denis netted the Bulldogs' goal with a slap shot from just above the faceoff circle, giving the senior blue-liner his third tally of the season. Matt Robertson and Zach Doer combined for the assists.
The Lakers were unsuccessful on their five power-play chances, while the Bulldogs went 0-for-4.
The Lakers killed off a crucial 5-minute major that resulted in Mitch Hults being sent away with a game misconduct. Hults (4-3--7) was whistled for making contact to the head with Chad McDonald, who went spiraling to the ice in alarming fashion.
After an extended period of time laying motionless as trainers looked on, McDonald was able to return to his feet and skate off under his own power.
With under a minute left on the penalty to Hults, Josh Nenadal (3-0--3) intercepted a puck in the defensive zone and quickly turned up ice. Nenadal past the defender but was hooked down to the ice by Matt Robertson before he could get a shot away, ultimately ending the Bulldogs power play and producing a 4-on-4 scenario.
The Lakers received only 19 seconds of power-play time on the penalty to Robertson due to a neutral-zone collision, resulting in Alex Globke being ushered away for two minutes for interference.
The Bulldogs made pulling Defiel for the extra attacker a difficult task for the Lakers, as Defiel made his way to the bench with only 26 seconds remaining.
The series concludes Saturday evening with game two at 7:07 p.m.
