The Lakehead Thunderwolves mens hockey team saved their best for last as they skated to a 3-1 win over the Lake Superior State Lakers Saturday night in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The game was special as it was celebrating the 40th anniversary of Lake State Hockey and quite a few Lake State alumni were in attendance at the match that took place at the historic Pullar Arena; home of the Lakers from 1966-76. The win redeemed a tough NCAA Lake Superior Circle Tour for Lakehead as they had lost handily to the University of Minnesota-Duluth on Thursday and Michigan Tech on Friday.
Lakehead captain Jeff Richards led the way for the Wolves as he potted two goals while Matt Maissoneuve scored the other Lakehead tally. Pat Aubrey scored the lone goal for the Lakers. Shots on goal were 36-32 for Lake State. Lakehead was 1-4 on the powerplay while the Lakers were 0-11 with the man advantage.
Lakehead Head Coach Pete Belliveau said his team played well after a tiring tour. It was a great win for us tonight and the guys worked really hard after playing three tough games in three nights and bussing to each game including six and a half hours today alone before the game. The guys found ways to score today and Chris Whitely played really solid to get the win.
Lakehead netminder Chris Whitley played an excellent game; going the whole game and making 35 saves. Lakers star netminder Jeff Jakaitas played a solid game and was in goal the first two periods allowing both of Richards goals and stopping 18 shots and Pat Inglis took over in the third and allowed one goal and made 11 saves.
Play was fairly even in the first period and the Lakers applied some strong pressure in the second but Lakeheads Whitley stood tall. The Thunderwolves played a strong third period even though they took a few penalties and put pressure on themselves in the closing moments.
The Three Stars, as chosen by Lake Superior State Radio, were:
1) Jeff Richards: Lakehead
2) Chris Whitley: Lakehead
3) Pat Aubrey: Lake Superior State
Lakehead opens the OUA regular season next Friday and Saturday in Waterloo, Ontario as they take on the Waterloo Warriors. Both games can be heard live in Thunder Bay on 580 CKPR AM radio and on the internet at www.luradio.ca with Bryan Wyatt calling the action.