SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- Lake Superior State Hockey defeated Michigan Tech by a 3-1 final in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association matchup on Friday night at Taffy Abel Arena.
With the win, Lake Superior State (19-8-2, 14-7-2-0 WCHA) has won its most games in a season since 2006-07 when the Lakers finished the season with a 21-19-3 record.
Lake Superior State (19-8-2, 14-7-2-0 WCHA) gave up a goal 3:04 into the first period when Michigan Tech (12-15-4, 11-9-3-1 WCHA) capitalized on a man advantage opportunity. That was the only time they saw the back of the net, however, as Mareks Mitens (6-4-0) captured the win, saving 30 of the Huskies' 31 shots. Lake State outshot Michigan Tech 15-5 in the first frame.
The Lakers tied up the game 2:54 into the second period when Brayden Gelsinger scored his eighth goal of the season — a power-play goal — assisted by Collin Saccoman and Gage Torrel. In the second period, Michigan Tech led in shots 13-7.
Max Humitz scored the Lakers' second goal — his 13th of the season — at even strength, 3:08 into the third period, making it 2-1. Torrel and Will Riedell assisted on the tally.
Michigan Tech pulled goaltender Matt Jurusik (7-6-2) for an extra attacker late in the third period in an attempt to tie it up. Steven Ruggiero capitalized on the empty net with an unassisted goal — his sixth of the season — to put the Lakers ahead 3-1. Jurusik saved 26-of-28 shots faced.
The Lakers added seven shots in the third period compare to the Huskies' 14, making the final shot totals 31-29 in favor of Michigan Tech.
Michigan Tech was 1-of-5 on the man advantage and Lake State was 1-of-6.
The Lakers and Huskies square off again on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Taffy Abel Arena. Saturday is the annual Check.Slash.Survive game, where the Lakers are going gold for childhood cancer awareness. Tickets may be purchased at the Norris Center Ticket Office or online. For additional ticket information, call (906) 635-2602.
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Watch head coach Damon Whitten's postgame interview below.