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Hockey Day Successfully Celebrates the Twin Saults

Hockey Day Successfully Celebrates the Twin Saults

After nearly two years of planning, the initial Hockey Day in the Twin Saults can be deemed a resounding success. A crowd of 3,166 witnessed the Laker hockey team clinch the team's second consecutive Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) playoff berth with a 4-1 victory over the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers. 

"We relished the opportunity to bring the Twin Saults together for the day. The game of hockey has historically brought our communities together and we were able to bring the Saults together for a great hockey experience on Saturday," said Lake Superior State University President Dr. Rodney Hanley. 

The day centered around the Lakers facing off against the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers at 7:00 p.m. at the GFL Memorial Gardens. But, the vision for the event has always been about more than the game. 

"It was a great opportunity to celebrate our shared hockey heritage, connect with new audiences, and provide our students, alumni, and Laker fans with a unique experience. There was a tremendous atmosphere in the building.  It's something we can build upon," said Lake Superior State University Director of Athletics, Dr. David Paitson. "We appreciate the hospitality of Rob Santa Maria and the administration at GFL Memorial Gardens and their help in making the event a success."

The day included a highly attended pregame student party at Soo Blaster, an LSSU alumni social with over 120 attendees, a VIP suite for the game hosted by the university's president Dr. Rodney Hanley, and an invitation to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and eastern UP high school students interested in learning more about LSSU to attend the game with their families, totaling approximately 175 guests.  

The student section was full - in blue and gold, cheering on the Lakers. With chants directed at both teams, the 300 students introduced the Canadian audience to a college hockey  environment, rowdy and full of energy. 

"I was thrilled that the students had the unique GFL Gardens event experience. The student section had a great vibe and I loved that they shared with our Sault, Ontario neighbors what fun a Laker hockey game is," said Lake Superior State University's Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Michael Beazley. "An electric student section celebrates the work of our student-athletes and coaches, makes the games a lot of fun, and makes memorable experiences for everyone in the crowd."

Several Laker hockey legends were featured within the event. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Archie Orazietti, the captain of the Lakers inaugural hockey season in 1966, joined the mayors from of the Twin Saults, Don Gerrie representing Michigan and Christian Provenzano representing Ontario in a ceremonial puck drop. The trio represented the rich hockey heritage as well as the unique international relationship between the Twin Saults.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Julio Francella, a member of the Lakers 1972 and 1974 NAIA championship teams, as well as Doug LaPrade, a member of the Lakers 1988 NCAA Championship team and current Head Coach of the Soo Eagles Junior A hockey team both participated in live in-game interviews. 

"The pre-game atmosphere in the Bumbacco Room social was electric based on the participation and feedback by our Sault, Ontario-area alumni and friends." said Tom Coates, Executive Director ~ LSSU Foundation. "Congratulations to the Laker Athletics Department for leading our team in such a bold move resulting in an outstanding event.  We were able to renew acquaintances with many alumni and make new friends which builds good will to advance LSSU in the Algoma Region."

In a day that celebrated the hockey history, tradition, and heritage of the Twin Saults, the event also involved the next wave of Sault Ste. Marie hockey players. The Sault Female Hockey Association joined the Lakers on the ice for starting lineups and the first intermission featured a game between mini mites from the Sault Michigan Hockey Association. 

Laker hockey heritage was presented through videos and graphics that detailed the program's five national championship teams, an impressive list of coaches, legendary players who went on to compete in National Hockey League and Olympic games, and long-standing traditions throughout the 54 seasons of Laker hockey. 

The day was capped off by a Laker win, which captured the team a spot in the 2020 WCHA playoffs. 

"The game was a great way to showcase the intensity, passion and talent of college hockey to a new audience," said Lakers Head Coach Damon Whitten. "I'd like to thank all of the fans in the building, both the loyal Laker fans who made the trip and those Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario natives who were experiencing our game for the first time."