Lakers are lighting it up
The lowest-scoring team among the 10 Western Collegiate Hockey Association members in 2015-2016, Lake Superior State Lakers are lighting the lamp in a big way to begin the 2016-2017 season.
In front of a near-capacity crowd of close to 3,500 at Taffy Abel Arena on the Saturday portion of Great Lake State Weekend, the Lakers capped a non-conference, weekend sweep of the Michigan State Spartans with a resounding 7-3 triumph.
The Lakers had taken the opener 6-1 on Friday to begin the ’16-17 season on a high note.
The 13 goals in two games was the most by a Lakers team since — get this — November of 2005.
Sophomore defenseman Owen Headrick served notice that he could be in for a big season. The Garden River First Nation product — formerly of the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League — had a team-leading, six-point weekend for the Lakers with a goal and five assists.
Junior goalie Gordon Defiel started and finished both games for the Lakers and blocked 49 of 53 shots for a .925 save percentage and 2.00 goals against average.
The Lakers 2-0 start to the season is their first since opening the 2013-2014 campaign with a sweep.
The Lakers begin WCHA play on the road this weekend against the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers.