A week out from the Superior Ice Showdown in Sault Sainte Marie, ON, Adam Barone and Calem Mangone went down to Ohio ready to go. The two Sault, Ontario natives combined for a goal, Barone's third of the season, as Lake Superior State lost a 3-1 result at Bowling Green in front of a raucous crowd.

"It felt like a playoff game," said Laker Head Coach Damon Whitten after the game. "Every inch was hotly contested for. Great crowd. Very intense. Great, high compete level."

Rushing through neutral ice, Barone drifted to the right circle and uncorked a heavy wrist shot that beat Falcons goaltender Cole Moore, tying the game 1-1 at 11:22 of the second period. Mangone and John Herrington assisted. Mangone picked up his 18th point this season. The childhood friends have both enjoyed terrific seasons at LSSU and will compete at GFL Memorial Gardens in their hometown next week. Buy your tickets now and use the promo code TwinSoo until Sunday at 10:00 PM EST to save 25%.

"Two guys that have really impacted the game in a positive way for us," said Whitten. "Good to see that Soo connection again."

The intensity ratcheted up for this game and both teams brought the required physicality. The biggest check of the night was a punishing hit in the BGSU zone thrown by Laker defenseman Mike Brown, who stepped up and threw a wrecking ball hit in the corner. Brown continues to assert himself defensively with his rough-and-ready style. Hes tied for 5th in the CCHA in blocked shots and keeps forwards wary with his powerful checking game.

Whitten said, "Playoff hockey, that's a playoff hit. That impacts the game and changes it. We get that from Mike Brown every single night. Elite defender, tough as nails. A guy you can count on to do the hard work, to block the shots, to play the body, defend extremely hard."

Rorke Applebee made 28 saves for LSSU, including 13 in the second period. The sophomore netminder was named to the Mike Richter Award Watch List earlier this week. Named for the former Wisconsin goaltender who spent his entire NHL career with the New York Rangers and entered the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008, the award recognizes the top goalie in college hockey and has been handed out annually since 2014. Whitten gave tremendous praise to Applebee's performance this season.

"I think it's well earned. Rorke's been rock steady all season long. You ask your goalie to look down the ice and at minimum match the other guy. We get that, usually exceeding the other guy, all season long. Rorke's been instrumental in winning hockey games. We really like what he's done, and love that he got recognized for the stellar year he's having."

While the Lakers put 19 shots on BGSU's net, they did well creating quality chances on the rush. Barone scored by using his pace to dash into the attacking zone and create separation from the defender to snap his shot away.

Quinn Emerson scored for BGSU 53 seconds into the contest. The Falcons held the lead until Barone's second period tally, then struck early in the third to regain the lead. Brett Pfoh scored at 1:31 of the third, then Tyler Htson earned their third goal of the game. He was hauled down on the rush while the Lakers emptied the net, which by rule results in an automatic goal awarded.

The Lakers and Falcons meet again on Saturday at 7:07 PM. See the game on Midco Sports Plus or hear it on 99.5 YES FM.