HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Lake Superior State opened its 2011-12 season with a 3-2 victory over Alabama-Huntsville on Saturday, which was the official opening day of the college hockey season. The Lakers will face off against UAH at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The Chargers started the scoring at 14:09 of the first period. Just over a minute later, at 15:16, the Lakers tied the game 1-1 on a goal from freshman forward Chris Ciotti (1-0--1). Ciotti's goal came from sophomore forward Kyle Jean (1-1--2).

LSSU finished the first period leading 2-1 thanks to Jean's first goal of the season at 17:49. It was assisted by sophomore forward Nick Shkreli (0-1--1).  The Lakers took a 3-1 lead at 2:32 of the second period with a power-play goal by junior defenseman Zach Trotman (1-0--1).

Trotman's goal, at 2:32 of the second period, proved to be the game-winning goal for the Lakers. It was assisted by senior defenseman Kyla Haines (0-1--1).

Alabama-Huntsville brought the game within one goal at 5:02 of the second period. UAH's unassisted goal came from Craig Pierce.

LSSU was 1-for-7 on the power-play and held the Chargers to 0-for-5.

The Lakers out-shot UAH, 29-21. Sophomore goalie Kevin Kapalka (1-0-0 overall) captured his first win of the season. Kapalka made 19 saves for the win. Clarke Saunders took the loss for the Chargers.

Both teams entered the game with limited practice time. They could spend 40 minutes per week with a coach prior to Saturday.

LSSU 3, UAH 2