Hear from Head Coach Damon Whitten:
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – No. 20 Lake Superior State hockey dropped the second game of a two-game Western Collegiate Hockey Association series with Northern Michigan University at Taffy Abel Arena on Saturday night.
With tonight's result, Lake Superior State (7-4-1, 4-3-1-0 WCHA) split the weekend series against Northern Michigan (6-8-0, 5-3-0-0 WCHA).
NMU got the scoring started early on with a goal from Luke Voltin at the 2:19 mark of the first period to take a 1-0 lead.
The second frame was scoreless, as was the majority of the third, until the Lakers pulled goaltender Nick Kossoff (5-1-1) for an extra attacker. Troy Loggins found the back of the empty net with 1:16 remaining to extend the lead to 2-0.
The Lakers continued forcing pressure in a final minute comeback attempt and came close, making it 2-1. Steven Ruggiero scored his third goal of the season with 12 seconds remaining, cutting the Wildcats' lead in half. Hampus Eriksson and Brendan McKay assisted on the tally.
Kossoff saved 18-of-19 shots faced, while Atte Tolvanen (6-8-0) saved 25-of-26 shots faced for the Wildcats.
Both teams were scoreless on five power play opportunities each.
The Lakers return to action next weekend when they host No. 3 Minnesota State on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. both nights. LSSU partners with the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula on Friday for Light the Lamp for UWEUP, where United Way staff and volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions about what's happening behind the scenes at United Way and the many partnerships and programs within the community. They'll also unveil new UWEUP gear and host a raffle for a Laker Hockey jersey. On Saturday, children 17 and under wearing a sports jersey of any kind receive free admission. This offer is only valid at the box office. Tickets may be purchased at the Norris Center Ticket Office or online. For additional ticket information, call (906) 635-2602.
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