MARQUETTE, Mich.- Lake Superior State opened the 21st installment of the Father Cappo Cup rivalry with Northern Michigan with a 5-3 win Friday night at Berry Events Center. The series between long time Upper Peninsula rivals was the first matchup between the schools in Western Collegiate Hockey Association competition.

The Lakers (14-14-1, 10-11-0 WCHA) were led by freshmen forwards Mitchell Nardi (3-3--6) and Gus Correale (2-1--3), who both picked up a goal and an assist on the evening. Lake Superior State now holds a two goal advantage for the Cappo Cup, which will be awarded Saturday evening to the team with the best goal differential at the conclusion of the series. Leading the way for the Wildcats (11-16-1, 9-11-1 WCHA) was Stephan Vigier collecting a goal and a pair of assists.

The Wildcats opened up the scoring in the first frame with goals from Reed Seckel (9-8--17)and Mitch Jones (3-15--18). The Lakers answered with a goal from Eric Drapluk (6-6--12) on the power play with 8:34 remaining in the first and Correale's (2-1--3 ) even-strength strike with 6:40 left in the first. The Lakers and the Wildcats took a 2-2 score into the first intermission after the Lakers were outshot 17-11.

The second period was welcomed with goals from both sides only 16 seconds apart. Stephen Perfetto put the Lakers up 3-2 only 2:05 minutes into the period. The Wildcats quickly struck back with a goal from Vigier, who also assisted on the first-period goals from Seckel and Jones.

Nardi broke the tie in the second period, giving the Lakers a 4-3 on what would eventually be the game-winner. The 4-3 scored held into the third period as the Lakers outshot Wildcats by a 13-10 margin in the second period.

The Lakers wrapped up the victory with a goal 8:21 into the third period by Bryce Schmitt (6-5--11). The victory was hard-fought for Kevin Murdock (7-9-0) who faced 35 shots on the night and saved 32. Mathias Dahlstrom (10-14-2) faced 38 shots, blocking 33.

The Lakers were 1-for-3 on the power play while Northern Michigan was blanked during their three opportunities. The Lakers and Wildcats will face off once again Saturday evening at 7:07 p.m. for the last time the teams are scheduled to meet during the regular season.

Final LSSU 5 - NMU 3