Hear from Head Coach Damon Whitten:

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The No. 20 Lake Superior State hockey team hosted the No. 4 Minnesota State Mavericks in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association matchup on Friday night at Taffy Abel Arena, with the Lakers falling by a 4-2 final.

Lake State (7-5-1, 4-4-1-0 WCHA) fell into an early deficit as the Mavericks (11-2-0, 6-1-0-0) picked up the game's first three goals.

Walker Duehr found the back of the net first for Minnesota State at the 4:13 mark of the first frame. Connor Mackey scored on the power play four minutes later to extend the lead to 2-0, followed by Duehr notching his second of the game with 2:43 remaining in the period.

With the majority of the second period scoreless on both sides, the Lakers got on the board 17:51 into the second period thanks to a goal from Diego Cuglietta. Jacob Nordqvist and Will Riedell assisted on the goal.

The Mavericks added another goal, this time from Marc Michaelis, extending their lead to 4-1 at the 11:03 mark of the third period. Cuglietta scored his second goal of the game on a man advantage with 2:03 remaining, making it a 4-2 final.

In goal for the Lakers, Nick Kossoff (5-2-1) made 19 saves on 23 shots faced. Dryden McKay (4-2-0) saved 16-of-18.

Both teams were 1-for-4 on the power play.

The Lakers return to action on Saturday at 7 p.m. when they face the Mavericks for the second game of the weekend series at Taffy Abel Arena. 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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