SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.- Lake Superior State to Minnesota State-Mankato Friday night by a score of 7-0.

The Lakers (3-12-0, 3-8-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) were  out-muscled by the 7th-ranked Mavericks (10-3-0, 8-1-0 WCHA), who controlled the puck in their offensive zone throughout most of the game.

The Mavericks, the nation's top-ranked team according to the Pair Wise rankings, were lead by Stephon Williams (10-1-0) posting 24 saves in the shutout effort. Junior forward Brett Knowles scored the first goal of the game to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. Knowles also capped the scoring on the evening with a power-play goal and his first career hat trick with 4:57 remaining in the third.

Freshman goaltender Gordon Defiel (3-10-0) picked up 29 saves for LSSU.

The Lakers finished 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Mavericks converted on two of their five opportunities.

Lake Superior State will be back at it again Saturday night to take on the Mavericks. The puck is set to drop at 7:07 p.m. Saturday is also military appreciation night and all active and retired military personnel with valid ID will receive free admission.

Final Minnesota State 7 - Lake Superior 0