HAMILTON, N.Y. - Lake Superior State and Colgate entered this week's non-conference hockey series having played seven overtime games apiece this season, so it's no surprise that Thursday's game went to an extra session.

The Raiders (6-8-5 overall) overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat the Lakers 5-4 in overtime in front of 675 fans in Starr Rink. Colgate improved to 2-1-5 in overtime games this season, while Lake Superior State (5-9-7 overall) dropped to 0-1-7.

Colgate's Austin Smith scored the first goal of the game at 3:30 of the opening period and tallied the game winner at 2:49 of overtime. After the Raiders claimed the early 1-0 lead, LSSU jumped ahead on goals by Brad Cooper at 16:39 of the first period, and Rick Schofield and Zac MacVoy at 1:38 and 8:36 of the second period, respectively.

The Raiders then scored three straight during a seven-minute span, including back-to-back goals by Jason Fredericks, to overtake LSSU and lead, 4-3.

Laker freshman Fred Cassiani, who recently received Central Collegiate Hockey Association Rookie of the Month special mention for the month of December, tallied the game-tying power-play goal at 10:55 of the third period. LSSU scored with the man-advantage after Colgate's David Sloane was whistled for a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct at 8:56.

Lake Superior State finished 1-for-2 on the power play, while Colgate was 2-for-3.

Colgate goaltender Charles Long totaled 25 saves and improved to 5-5-4 with the win. LSSU goalie Pat Inglis, playing in his fourth straight game, totaled 33 saves and fell to 1-3-2.

Josh Sim, Dan Barczuk, Dillin Stonehouse, Steven Kaunisto, Troy Schwab and Simon Gysbers recorded assists for the Lakers. MacVoy's goal was unassisted. Cooper's goal was his first as a Laker and the second of his career.

LSSU, which dropped to 0-5-0 when playing in Hamilton, N.Y., plays Game 2 of the series at 7 p.m. Friday.

Box Score