By LINDA BOUVET, LSSU Sports Information Director

Leaving the Central Collegiate Hockey Association for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in 2013-14 will be like saying goodbye to an old family friend for Lake Superior State's Chris Ciotti, but the sophomore center is optimistic about his team's future in the new league.

“I don't think it's a huge negative by any means,” said Ciotti, who's uncle Bob Ciotti played for Lake Superior State from 1977-81 and father John Ciotti played for Miami from 1982-85. “We'll see how it works out in the long run. It almost seems like we have some of the stronger teams. Ferris State, Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech are all really good teams.”

Parents John and Jean Ciotti are both Miami graduates, and John had a stellar career in the CCHA after transferring from Providence. He finished ninth in the league in points in 1984-85 after totaling 29 goals and 57 points. Bob Ciotti, who was the Lakers' captain in 1980-81, is tied for 17^th in career scoring at LSSU with 55 goals and 146 points.

Chris Ciotti, a Washington, Mich., native, grew up watching Michigan and Michigan State hockey and attended youth camps at the two Big Ten schools.

“Now I'm playing games there,” said Ciotti, who has outgrown his awe of the Big Ten Goliaths but has only intensified his appreciation for CCHA hockey.

John Ciotti grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Chris had been to the Twin Saults several times before attending LSSU. Chris' older brother, James, played midget hockey for the Sault Indians and is a senior at LSSU. Former LSSU assistant coach Rich Metro connected with Chris by having James as a student in a class.

“I never thought I'd want to go to a small school, but I like it a lot,” Chris Ciotti said. “I like the small town and it's fun playing here. We're definitely appreciated, especially being the only Division I sport that gets to play the big schools.”

John Ciotti coached Chris until he was 14 years old and is still a big part of his hockey life. Last year was James' first time to see Chris play in recent years, and he appreciates having his older brother at most of his games.

“My brother is really supportive now that he's here,” Chris said. “My mom has always been a huge supporter of hockey, even during juniors when I wasn't going to school…My dad is still telling me little lessons, always giving me advice. He's as much a part of it as I am. He doesn't like watching games on the internet, so he's here as much as he can be.”

As a 21-year-old collegiate rookie during the 2011-12 season, Chris tried to not think of himself as a freshman. He hoped to make an impact right away and had a solid first season, tying Kevin Czuczman for the lead in LSSU freshman scoring with 5-8—13.

This season he's playing a bigger role on special teams and off to a hot start, compiling a team-leading 6-3—9 in his first 12 games. He's tied for third in the CCHA in overall goals scored and ninth in power-play points with 2-2—4.

“I don't think I've ever played a year without playing on the power play,” Chris said. “That was a big change last year. This year I've been getting my chance and I've been somewhat successful. We're showing signs that we're going to have a really good power play again this year. Obviously I've gotten some good opportunities on the penalty kill as well, and I did a little bit last year. As a sophomore, especially here, you get a lot more opportunities and ice time for sure. It's been great. And I get to play center (opposed to right wing in 2011-12).”

Ciotti has been centering senior Nick McParland and sophomore Buddy Robinson during the past couple weeks. Their line scored two of the three goals during the 58-second span to beat Ferris State on Nov. 9.

“Buddy and McParland played together last year…and I slid in the middle between the two,” Chris said. “This week (prior to the Alabama-Huntsville series) we definitely seem to have a lot more chemistry and I think we'll keep improving.”

The McParland-Ciotti-Robinson line has a mix of experience, size, speed and scoring ability – everything the Lakers need.

“Buddy is obviously a big player starting to learn that he can take over on the ice,” Ciotti said. “He's so big (6-5, 236) and a good skater. He's not slow out there. He gets in on the forecheck and gets the puck back to us a lot. Nick is another big player in our league. He had a really good year last year. He's more of a shooter, but can also play physical. I try to be the distributor, facilitator. I do whatever I can to help them and all three of us get opportunities to score.”

Ciotti, who also scored two goals during last Saturday's 4-0 victory over Alabama-Huntsville, has worked hardest on improving his faceoffs and “playing a full six periods of a weekend.” He and his linemates made Ferris State pay for slacking during the final shift of the second period.

“We caught 'em sleeping almost,” Ciotti said. “They wanted the period to end being up one-nothing or tied 1-1. We had a couple good plays, got some good bounces in front of the net. We were still playing and scored two quick goals.”

Ciotti opinioned that Michigan Tech has been the Lakers' toughest opponent to date, and is not content with the string of series splits that have been rampant in the CCHA this season and unprecedented for LSSU.

“Our record doesn't show it, but we're definitely getting better,” he said. “We've had a lot of good opportunities this year. Every team seems vulnerable. If we're not winning two games, we don't feel too happy about the weekend. It doesn't seem like any one team is standing out right now. We have a really good chance with the goalies we have and everyone getting healthy.”