BY Mike Barrett

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Saturday, February 15 has been circled on the calendar for the Lake Superior State hockey team since before the season began.

The first NCAA hockey game to be played in Canada since 2012, and the first for the Lakers since at least 1974, is being hosted at the GFL Memorial Gardens, home of the Ontario Hockey League's Soo Greyhounds, as Lake Superior will take on the Chargers from the University of Alabama Huntsville in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) game. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

In an event that only comes along so often, it is natural to expect more than just a hockey game, and the University is not disappointing.  An alumni event will take place prior to the game, as well as activities for current and potential students.

"This event is more than a hockey game, it involves the entire campus community," said Dr. David Paitson, Director of Athletics.  "The event is an opportunity to proactively showcase our university, Laker hockey, and celebrate the rich hockey heritage in the Twin Saults." 

The idea for a game across the St. Mary's River was first discussed in 2017, when Paitson and Laker hockey head coach, Damon Whitten, met with alumni members of the hockey community, including Dennis Bolton, a 1974 graduate of what was then Lake Superior State College.  Bolton, who served as a captain his junior and senior years, played under two legendary coaches in Ron Mason and Rick Comley.  

Bolton spoke at length of the strong tradition of hockey that permeates the Twin Saults, stretching back to the first professional hockey league, the International Professional Hockey League.  While Pittsburgh and communities in the Keweenaw Peninsula often claim to be the birthplace of professional hockey, both Sault, Michigan and Sault, Ontario had a team in the league.

He described Mason, who passed away in 2016, as a true teacher of the game. In addition, he acknowledged the foresight that Bud Cooper, former Director of Athletics, and Dr. Lou Lukenda, a 1950 graduate of what was then Michigan Tech - Soo Branch and an ardent advocate of the Sault area, had in bringing hockey to the college.

On playing a college hockey game in the Canadian Sault, Bolton said, "I certainly think people have thought about it…Back in the 70's, when there were problems with the old [Sault Memorial] garden, the Hounds played some games over here."  

The current Gardens were opened in 2006 as the Steelback Centre, replacing the original Gardens, which were constructed in 1949 and stood adjacent to the current building.

As part of the festivities, there will be a pre-game party for current students, held from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Soo Blaster on Queen Street, a block away from the Gardens.  Joe Stusynski, Residence Hall Coordinator, says that there will be specials on food, drinks and games. There will also be giveaways during the pre-game event. 

"We will have shuttles with limited room," said Stusynski.  "They can get more information at the campus life office. We are asking for five dollars to reserve their spot, but they will get it back when they get on the shuttle. The shuttles will run to Soo Blaster and then pick them up from GFL after the game." 

The alumni social, sponsored by the LSSU Alumni Association, will start at 5:00 p.m. in the Angelo Bumbacco Room of the GFL Memorial Gardens. Laker alumni and fans are invited to gather in the there for free pizza and a cash bar, sponsored by the Alumni Association. 

"This is a great opportunity to reconnect with many of the more than 2,000 Laker alumni who live in Sault, Ontario," said Susan Fitzpatrick, Director of Alumni Relations. "We are excited to bring Laker hockey across the river to make it even more accessible for our alumni living in Canada. GFL Memorial Gardens is a terrific venue, and we expect many alumni and fans from the U.S. side to cross the bridge to take advantage of this unique opportunity as well. It will be a tremendous chance for alumni from both sides of the river to mix and mingle prior to cheering their Lakers on to another victory."

While current students and alumni have events tailored for them, prospective students interested in Lake Superior State will find representatives from admissions with which they may speak to for more information on the university.

"We have reached out to White Pines, Superior Heights, Korah and St. Mary's," said Fred Pierce, Dean of Admissions and Marketing.  "Students who respond to our email outlining academic interest have been offered up to four tickets to the game. We are going to have personnel on hand at the event to answer any questions."

Pierce said that the invite was sent out to all grade levels at the aforementioned schools during Lake Superior's semester break.

On reaching out to the high schools in Sault, Ontario, Pierce said, "We share a river as well as an interest in hockey.  We would like to give students over there a glimpse into what Lake Superior State is all about through this event."

Those living in the U.S. looking to attend the game or any of the other events must have the proper travel documents in order to cross the border.  Examples of appropriate papers include a passport, Enhanced Driver's License, or a NEXUS card. A full list of documents may be found at https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/cross-us-borders.

Tickets are on sale through the GFL Box Office.  Adult tickets are $17.19 CDN (about $13.50 US) and children ages 3 to 12 are $5.28 CDN (about $4.25 US).  Laker season ticket holders will be required to exchange the ticket they received in their package for a ticket at the box office and will receive a ticket for a similar seat. To purchase tickets for the game click here. 

The Lakers will return to the ice on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Taffy Abel Arena for a weekend series against conference rival Alaska-Anchorage. Both the Friday and Saturday night games are scheduled for a 7:07 p.m. puck drop. 

For more information, visit lssulakers.com