Cullen Maksimowski, LSSULakers.com

HOUGHTON, Mich.— The Lake Superior State Hockey team suffered a 3-0 shutout loss at the hands of Michigan Tech Friday in the first of a two-game Western Collegiate Hockey Association series inside MTU's MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

With the loss, the Lakers slip to 4-12-3 overall with a 3-8-2 mark in the WCHA. The Huskies move to 9-7-4, 7-6-4.

Lake State was outshot, 40-25, in the contest and went 0-for-2 on the power play. Michigan Tech converted one of their five power play opportunities.

"I liked our effort tonight and I thought that guys played hard," said Lake Superior coach Damon Whitten. "We were right in the game coming into that third period but we give up two goals on the rush and that tough.

"We have to find a way to be better tomorrow. We've got to get this thing turned around, find a way to grind one out, stick together and get through this."

Brent Baltus got the Huskies on the board with a power play goal at the 2:56 mark in the first period. Jake Lucchini and Alex Smith scored in the third period to seal the win.

Freshman goaltender Mareks Mitens got the start for LSSU allowing 3 goals on 40 shots faced.

Laker Superior will return to action tomorrow (7:07 p.m.) as they look earn a series spilt. After this weekend's series, the Lakers will break from league action as they travel to Pittsburgh, Pa., to take part in the Three Rivers Classic at PPG Paints Arena.

Lake State will return to Taffy Abel Arena for the new year as they play host to Bemdiji State Jan.5-6 in a WCHA series.

The LSSU Athletics After Christmas Sale will take place online Dec.26-Jan.2 allowing fans to purchase up to four tickets for one dollar each to any one of the remaining home hockey games or basketball double-headers. For more information, visit lssulakers.com.