Box Score BIG RAPIDS, Mich.- Lake Superior State (16-19-1, 12-16-0 WCHA)
suffered its second straight 2-1 loss to the seventh-ranked Ferris
State Bulldogs (25-9-3, 19-6-2 WCHA). The Lakers lost their bid to
make the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Playoffs with the
loss. For the Lakers to make the WCHA playoffs they would have
needed at least a tie to go with Bemidji State's 5-2 loss to
Bowling Green.
The Bulldogs took an early lead with a goal by Garrett Thompson
(15th goal of the season) 1:03 minutes into the game. A
mere 51 seconds later the Lakers faced a 2-0 deficit following
Scott Czarnowczan's fifth goal of the season. Following the
two early goals, LSSU goaltender Kevin Kapalka (9-9-1) went on to save seven of the nine
shots he faced in the period and closed the door for the remainder
of the game.
Senior forward Colin Campbell (14-15—29), playing in his final
game for the Royal Blue and Gold, scored an unassisted short-handed
goal just 29 seconds into the second period to cut the lead to
2-1.
Once again WCHA Goaltender of the Year candidate C. J. Motte
(24-7-3) stoned the Lakers following the Campbell goal, finishing with 24 saves on 25 shots
faced. The Bulldogs again relied on the steady play by the Hobey
Baker award finalist.
Kapalka made the start for the Lakers and kept
their playoff hopes alive after giving up the two early goals.
Kapalka completed his final game as a Laker with 29 saves on the
evening. The Lakers finished 0-for-3 once again on the power
play, while picking up a shorthanded goal during their 1-for-3
penalty killing.
With the loss the Lakers head home to Sault Ste. Marie and join
Alabama-Huntsville as the teams sitting out the WCHA playoffs.
While Bemidji State (which was tied in the standings with the
Lakers) lost, the Beavers won the head-to-head tie-breaker over
LSSU.
For the Lakers, the off-season looms large with a large crop of
eight seniors exiting. With Minnesota State's tie with Michigan
Tech, the Bulldogs captured the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and will
face Bemidji State.
Final: Ferris State 2 – Lake Superior 1
