By LINDA BOUVET, LSSU Sports Information Director

Anticipation is peaking for the Lake Superior State hockey team, especially its four seniors, who will lead a young team through a transitional season.

LSSU's soft-spoken, yet articulate senior forward, Andrew Dommett, has been named captain for 2014-15 and will be assisted by fellow seniors Stephen Perfetto and Chris Ciotti, along with junior Eric Drapluk.

“It's not just the four of us. It's the whole team,” noted Dommett of the Lakers' cohesiveness during the pre-season, when coaches have limited on-ice time with their players (Oct. 4 marks the official first day of the hockey season). “The coaches are showing us what drills to do, but other players have the opportunity to speak up. We're obviously looked up to and there's a little more for us to do, but everybody is involved. Everybody is teaching everybody.”

LSSU's captains bring different leadership qualities and personalities to the team, but have the same ultimate goal – to build a bright future for Laker Hockey.

“There's a tendency to do a little too much, but I don't try to be someone I'm not,” Dommett said. “I don't try to over-teach. We have three great assistants – all with different personalities and different views. It's been easy. The coaches made it easy, and the guys listen so well…I'm just having fun with it.”

LSSU returns its points leader, sophomore Alex Globke, but must replace four of its top six scorers, all three goaltenders and four defensemen.

“The past is the past, and we're looking at the future now,” Dommett said. “This weekend we're going to be ready to play. We have a conference game against Tech, and they've always been a good team. We have new systems ready to pull out, and we'll be ready to come to work Saturday.”

Dommett wouldn't single players out, but said fans will see noticeable improvement in some players from last season to this season, especially some who saw limited playing time in 2013-14. He's also seen great competition among LSSU's four goaltenders.

“We obviously have a young D core, and that's no problem,” Dommett said. “The young kids came in and are fighting for that roster spot. They constantly want to learn and they look great on the ice. They're competing hard in practice. It will be interesting to see what they do in their first college game…We still have returning guys – (Zach) Loesch, (Pete) Spratte, Harry (Nathan Harris) and Draps logged big minutes last year, and the young guys can learn from them. They're improving every day in practice. The work ethic and skill are surely there.”

LSSU's official start day and home opener will be special for many reasons as the Lakers usher in the Damon Whitten coaching era. The team will also celebrate Parents Weekend.

“A lot of guys are far away from home, but when their parents come in they need to stay focused for hockey,” Dommett said. “They'll be turning their mindset to business, and can talk to parents after the game. It's great to have parents in the crowd though. No matter how old you are, it's always a great feeling knowing Mom and Dad are in the crowd.”