I haven't seen any wraps from WMU, and don't have the box scores in front of
me, so here's a brief wrap of Lake State's weekend. LSSU extended its
unbeaten string to five games with a win and a tie at Western Michigan over
the weekend.  Some notes:
 
* The Lakers overcame an early 1-0 deficit with two goals in each period to
put the game out of reach on Friday.  Bates Battaglia recorded a career-best
four points (2-2), Sean Tallaire added two assists and the Lakers got goals
from three defensemen (Keith Aldridge, Ted Laviolette and David Lambeth).
John Grahame earned the win in net with 24 saves.
 
* The Lakers built leads of 2-0 and 3-1 on Saturday,  but Western
stormed back to tie the game with just six seconds remaining (memories
of UM at the Joe last year).  LSSU regained its composure and played
well in the OT to earn the tie.  Mitch Lane,  Battaglia and Bryan Fuss
scored the LSSU goals.  Grahame made 24 saves in the win.
 
* As The Eveing News reported Thursday, Trevor Demmans has returned to the
lineup for LSSU.  He played both games on the weekend and looked better with
each.  He's a player to watch for in the second half.  He has worked very
hard, and been very fortunate, to overcome his neck injury.
 
* Mitch Lane,  a transfer from MTU,  played very well again this
weekend.  He had two goals and two assists in the two games.
 
* Bates Battaglia simply made everyone else on the ice (including his own
teammates) look foolish at times.  He has been hot and cold in his
sophomore season.  This was definitely a hot weekend.  If he gains some
consistency in his game---lookout.
 
* Gerald Tallaire sat with a slightly separated shoulder.  He is
scheduled to return next weekend.  Ryan Sharpe,  the broken man,  is
recovering from an ankle sprain (new injury).  He may be back next
weekend as well,  but he will have to fight for a job.  The Lakers have
depth on the blue line,  finally.
 
* Lake State's last loss was that 8-2 trouncing at the hands of the
Michigan Wolverines.  Since that night,  the Lakers have recorded wins
over top-10 MSU and WMU.  The Lakers have the season series with MSU and
WMU (tiebreaker: total goals). LSSU has three games in hand on WMU and
one on MSU.
 
* The Lakers are 8-2-1 on the road this season and 7-2 at home.
 
* The Lakers host the UAF Nanooks in a two-game set at the Abel Arena
next weekend,  then play a split series with Ferris State.
 
 Scott Monaghan
Assistant Athletic Director
Lake Superior State University
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906-635-2601
 
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