BEMIDJI, Minn. - The No. 20 Lake Superior State hockey team fell by a final score of 2-1 in overtime to the No. 17 Bemidji State Beavers in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) game on Tuesday, March 2 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minn. With the overtime loss, the Lakers record stands at 13-6-3 in overall play and 7-5-0 in WCHA competition.
At 6:59 of the first period, the Beavers would take a 1-0 lead over the Lakers when Brendan Harris capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity. Harris' goal, the first shorthanded goal allowed by the Lakers this season, was assisted by Ethan Somoza.
Junior forward Pete Veillette would score his team-leading 10th goal of the season to tie the game at 4:27 of the second period. Ashton Calder, who recorded the secondary assist on the goal, sent a pass from the boards to senior defenseman, Will Riedell, who was ready to take a shot from the blue line. Riedell's shot would bank off the end boards to find Veillette open for the back door play. Veillette tapped the puck behind Bemidji's Zach Driscoll to make it an even 1-1 game.
After a scoreless third period between the two teams, the game would head into a three-on-three overtime period. Only 1:10 into the extra frame, the Beavers would beat Laker goaltender Mareks Mitens to win the game in overtime. Seconds before the game winning play began, the Lakers had a high quality chance to seal the win but a strong defensive play by the Beavers kept the Lakers from scoring. Tyler Kirkup would capitalize on an odd man rush after putting away a pass from Alex Ierullo for the 2-1 WCHA win.
Mitens finished the game with 22 saves on 24 shots to secure his 10th win of the season. For the 16th time this season, the Laker goaltender has allowed two or fewer goals in a game. Bemidji State's Driscoll made 23 saves in the win.
The Lakers and Beavers will close out the series tomorrow Wednesday, March 3 at 5:07 p.m. The series, which was originally scheduled to be played on Jan. 29 and 30, was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols going into effect within the Laker program.
Even though spectators cannot currently attend Laker games, there are still a number of ways that fans will be able to follow the game action. All Laker home games, and away games against WCHA opponents during the 2020-21 season will be available to watch live on FloHockey, the WCHA's streaming partner. For more information or to sign up for a subscription, visit https:/www.flohockey.tv. Fans can also tune in to the radio broadcast on 99.5 Yes FM, the official radio station of Laker hockey.
For more information, visit lssulakers.com.
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