Cullen Maksimowski, LSSULakers.com

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.— The Lake Superior State hockey team fell to No.8 Minnesota State-Mankato Friday night in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association matchup inside Taffy Abel Arena.

With the loss, the Lakers slip to 4-10-3 overall with a 3-6-2 mark in WCHA competition. The Mavericks improve to 10-5-0, 8-3-0.

LSSU struck first at the 15:02 mark in the first period when freshman forward Hampus Erikkson scored his first collegiate goal assisted by Brayden Gelsinger and Max Humitz.

It was all Mavericks in the second period as they scored all five of their goals in the second 20 minutes of action. Jared Spooner, Parker Tuomie, Zeb Knutson, Jake Jaremko and Daniel Brickley each found the net for MSU.

Lake State was outshot, 39-24, in the contest and went 0-of-4 on power play opportunities. Minnesota State was 2-of-5 on their opportunities with the man advantage.

"Obviously just not a good enough effort for us tonight," said Lake Superior State coach Damon Whitten. "The only positive thing you can take away is that we get to come back Saturday night and give ourselves another chance. We'll be better and play a little heavier tomorrow night."

The Lakers will wrap up the series tomorrow as they look to avoid the sweep. Puck drops at 7:07 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Norris Center Ticket Office or by visiting lssulakers.com/tickets. For additional ticket information call 906-635-2602.