October 3, 2025
 
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI — Lake Superior State University Athletics (LSSU) in association with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is pleased to announce that LSSU's NCAA Division I men's hockey team will host the 2^nd Superior Ice Showdown on January 23, 2026. This year's event with include a Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) regular season game against University of St. Thomas Tommies at the GFL Memorial Gardens. LSSU is proud to bring NCAA Hockey to its sister city of Sault Ontario for a celebration of hockey internationally.

Laker head coach Damon Whitten said, "We're excited for the opportunity to bring a Laker Hockey game across the river to GFL Memorial Gardens. The Twin Saults share such a unique connection, and we're proud to be part of that. We have a lot of passionate alumni in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and it's special for them to see Laker Hockey in their home community. With two players on our roster from Sault, Ontario, it makes the event even more special. To showcase college hockey in Ontario is a unique experience, and we're thrilled to share it with our fans on both sides of the border."

Lake Superior State University President Dr. David Travis said, "It is appropriate that our next Superior Ice Showdown take place in our sister city, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This continues a legacy of the two Saults working together to support each other. We are very appreciative of the GFL Memorial Gardens and the Soo Greyhounds for allowing us to use their facility for this important event that highlights the longstanding partnership between our two cities."

"It's so exciting to see the Superior Ice Showdown in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario," said Sault Ste. Marie, MI Mayor Don Gerrie. "The City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has valued the close relationship with our sister city immensely. Our shared hockey culture continues to bond these great communities, and seeing Laker Hockey at GFL Memorial Gardens will be an incredible night for everyone."

The Lakers have two players on their current roster from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Adam Barone, a defenseman, enters his second season with the Lakers. This season, he's joined by first-year player Calem Mangone, also from Sault Ste. Marie. The Lakers roster 11 Canadian players from Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia and have a proud tradition of recruiting top Canadian talent. Julio Francella, a Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Hockey Hall of Famer, starred for the Lakers from 1971 to 1975 and remains one of the program's finest players.

Mayor Matthew Shoemaker of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario said, "Sault Ste. Marie has a storied history as a hockey community, and we are pleased to host the LSSU Lakers for an exciting showcase of cross-border hockey that brings the Twin Saults together. With so many proud LSSU alumni here in Sault Ste. Marie, this is the perfect chance to pack the stands in your blue and gold."

"The Twin Saults have always shared a close, unique relationship through the sport," said Lake Superior State Athletics Director Tory Lindley. "We want to celebrate that history and the future of our communities. We thank the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the talented GFL Memorial Gardens staff and the Soo Greyhounds for helping to bring Laker Hockey across the St. Mary's River."

CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia said, "I am excited to have Lake Superior State showcase their program and the CCHA across the border into Canada. The CCHA has numerous student-athletes from Canada on our rosters and aims to continue to expose their fans and recruits to the terrific level of play in the CCHA."

Coached by Damon Whitten, the Lakers embark on their 59^th season of collegiate play with a proud, rich hockey tradition. The Lakers have won five National Championships, qualified for 11 NCAA Tournaments, and produced 18 All-Americans. 37 Laker players have gone on to compete in the NHL. The program's legendary coaching history includes U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Ron Mason, Rick Comley, Frank Anzalone and Jeff Jackson. Whitten enters his 12^th season behind the Lakers bench.

Doors open at 6:00 PM with puck drop at 7:07 PM.

Tickets go on sale October 10^th and can be purchased at the GFL Memorial Gardens Box Office or online at https://gflgardens.ca/LSSU.

For media requests, contact LSSU Director of Athletic Communications Matt Pocket at mpocket@lssu.edu.