Lakers claim Cappo Cup with a win over NMU

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

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Lakers win Game 4 v. NMU to claim Cappo Cup

Smith, Perkovich score Laker goals

SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State edged Northern Michigan 2-1 Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena in Game 4 of their Central Collegiate Hockey Association cluster series and claimed the Father Cappo Cup for the first time since the 1999-00 season.

LSSU (15-12-3 overall, 9-10-3 CCHA) won the Cappo Cup total-goals series, 9-4, and took six of eight league points from the Wildcats during the regular season.

Stellar team defense was the deciding factor on Saturday. Senior goaltender Jeff Jakaitis stopped 23 of 24 shots on goal and made several key saves throughout the game. Jakaitis got plenty of help in front of the net, and LSSU controled the puck during most of the last three minutes of the game to protect the slim lead lead.

Junior forward Dan Eve's last-minute efforts to keep the puck in NMU's zone kept the Wildcats from pulling goalie Bill Zaniboni in favor of an extra attacker until the 41-second mark.

Junior defenseman Derek A. Smith gave LSSU a 1-0 lead with a 5-on-3 power-play goal at 2:22 of the first period. Troy Schwab drew the only assist.

NMU's Andrew Sarauer tied it, 1-1, by scoring on a delayed penalty at 10:35 of the second period.

Laker freshman Nathan Perkovich flipped the game-winner past Zaniboni at 2:49 of the third period. Eves had the assist.

LSSU finished 1-for-8 on the power play and held NMU scoreless on five man-advantage opportunities.

Zaniboni totaled 26 saves.

LSSU played the game with 17 skaters due to the loss of injured senior Jeff Rainville. The Lakers' 11 forwards included Justin Gutwald, who converted from defenseman to forward when John Scrymgeour was hurt last week.

The Lakers travel to Miami Feb. 9 and 10.

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