SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State hockey student-athlete Mareks Mitens has been named the Madigan/Pingatore Insurance Athlete of the Week, as announced by the Lake Superior State athletic department on Monday.

Mitens, a sophomore goaltender from Ventspils, Latvia who is majoring in business administration – international business, made 29 saves to backstop No. 18 Lake Superior State hockey to a 1-0 win at then-No. 6/7 Minnesota State on Saturday night. Mitens made freshman forward Pete Veillette's first-period goal hold up — stopping nine shots in the first period, nine in the second period and 11 in the third period. Mitens led the WCHA in save percentage (1.000) and goals against average (0.00), while tying for the WCHA lead in shutouts on the week. The shutout is the second of the season for Mitens, who improved his record to 4-4-0. 

This is the first time that Mitens has been named the Madigan/Pingatore Insurance Athlete of the Week.

Madigan/Pingatore in Insurance Services has been serving the Great Lakes since 1895. The professional team is committed to designing profitable, creative solutions to protect clients, community and the environment.

The Lakers return home for a two-game Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against Bemidji State on Friday and Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena. Both games are slated for 7 p.m.

On Friday, Laker Hockey will host the ninth annual 'White Out' domestic and sexual violence awareness night, in partnership with the Diane Peppler Center and the Sexual Violence Prevention Team of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The first 1,000 fans to enter Taffy Abel Arena will receive a free shirt to wear at the game. Tickets may be purchased at the Norris Center Ticket Office or online. For additional ticket information, call (906) 635-2602.

Be sure to follow the Lakers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information and behind-the-scenes action.