SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Overcoming inexperience is going to be the name of the game for Michigan State after its opening weekend of action on the college hockey schedule.
The Spartans dropped a pair of non-conference games to Western Collegiate Hockey Association member Lake Superior State University at LSSU, including a 7-3 loss on Saturday night at Taffy Abel Arena.
“We had a lot of young guys playing and gaining experience,” said Michigan State Coach Tom Anastos. “We were scratching and clawing but our game wasn’t at a level where we needed it to be. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Playing without the services of senior defenseman Rhett Holland on Saturday after he was ejected from Friday’s contest for fighting, the Spartans lineup was heavy on freshmen on the blueline and with goalie John Lethemon making his first career start.
“We had five of six defensemen tonight playing who were freshmen.” Anastos said. “We have to gain experience. We have to look at each day at practice to look at it as a new opportunity to get better and try to make as much progress in as short a time as we can.”
Freshman forward Logan Lambdin had a goal and an assist for the Spartans while Jerad Rosburg and Zach Osburn had the other goals. Thomas Ebbing assisted on two goals for Michigan State. Lethemon stopped nine shots in the opening period while Ed Minney came in for the final 40 minutes, stopping 14 shots.
The importance of the wins was on the minds of the Lakers.
“To start off the season with two wins, that’s huge for what we’re trying to do,” said Lake State Coach Damon Whitten. “There are a lot of things we’ve got to improve and get better on but it’s a big step.”
Senior forward Gus Correale scored a pair of goals for Lake State while J.T. Henke added a goal and two assists. Gage Torrel and Anthony Nellis had a goal and an assist each for the Lakers. Max Humitz and Mitch Hults also scored. Sophomore defenceman Owen Headrick assisted on three goals.
Gordon Defiel stopped 30 shots for Lake Superior State.
“Give (Lake Superior State) a lot of the credit,” Anastos said. “They deserved it. They played with terrific speed and pace and they were organized. Their special teams were excellent.”
Other Big Ten results
No. 13 Michigan 2, Ferris State 1
Sam Piazza’s power play goal at 15:32 of the third period was the game-winner in a contest that saw Michigan get outshot 29-16. Jake Slaker had a goal and two assists for Michigan while Alex Klie assisted on both goals. Goaltender Jack Lafontaine stopped 28 shots. Andrew Mayer had the lone goal for Ferris State.
No. 19 Ohio State 1, Miami (OH) 1
David Gust put the Buckeyes on top with a first period goal, but Miami answered with the equalizer by Louie Belpedio 20 minutes later as the teams skated to a 1-1 tie. Matt Tomkins stopped 23 shots for Ohio State and Ryan Larkin turned back 24 for the Red Hawks.
