Lakers climb above .500 mark with sweep of Robert Morris

Junior forward Dominic Osman scored at 3:40 in overtime to give the Lake Superior State hockey team a 4-3 victory over Robert Morris University, secure the Lakers' second series sweep of the season and lift LSSU's record above the .500 mark.

The Lakers (6-5-3 overall), who also beat RMU 3-0 on Friday, came back from a 1-0 deficit early in the second period, but let a 2-1 lead slip away when they gave up a short-handed goal at 13:02 of the third period.

Jon Booras put the Lakers up 3-2 at 16:56 of the third period, but the Colonials (4-7-1) tied it 3-3 less than two minutes later.

Osman's game-winner, his third of the season, came off a well-executed play set up by Dan Eves and Jeff Rainville.

"Danny had a good weekend, and Osman scored a huge goal obviously," said LSSU head coach Jim Roque, who was satisfied to see his team pick up two wins against a quality opponent while at the same time getting the opportunity to rest some players before its next league series.

Roque started freshman goaltender Vince Wheeler in place of Jeff Jakaitis, and Wheeler totaled 23 saves for his first collegiate win. Lakers Troy Schwab, Marty Gurnoe, Matt Wheeler and Mark Adamek sat out due to injuries, but most will be able to come back when LSSU plays host to Alaska Fairbanks next weekend.

"Those were two good wins," Roque said. "Robert Morris really played hard and aggressive. They were both good games -- hard-fought -- and better than winning 8-1. These games will help us."

Laker defenseman Derek A. Smith scored a power-play goal on assists from Eves and Jon Booras, tying the game 1-1 at 14:00 of the second period.

Senior forward Steve McJannet added a power-play goal at 2:04 of the third period as Osman and Barnabas Birkeland drew assists. Forward Derek R. Smith had the only assist on Booras' goal.

Sean Berkstresser, Tom Biondich and Jace Buzek scored for RMU. Colonials goalie Joe Tuset totaled 32 saves and fell to 0-1-0.

The Lakers were 2-for-5 on the power play, while RMU finished 1-for-4.

*** FRIDAY:

Lake Superior State scored two power-play goals in the third period to secure a 3-0 victory over Robert Morris University in a non-conference hockey game Friday at Taffy Abel Arena.

LSSU junior goaltender Jeff Jakaitis stopped all 14 shots to record his fifth career shutout. The Lakers (5-5-3) snapped a four-game scoreless streak when playing with a man-advantage.

Barnabas Birkeland chipped the puck past RMU goaltender Christian Boucher to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead at 1:36 of the opening period.

LSSU hit the post and had a goal disallowed in the second period, but hung onto its lead.

Although the Lakers failed to score during a full two-minute two-man advantage late in the third period, Steve McJannet and Dan Eves increased LSSU's lead by scoring power-play goals at 11:27 and 17:57, respectively. Jason Miller, Derek A. Smith, Josh Sim and Jon Booras picked up assists.

RMU (3-4-2) finished 0-for-5 on the power play. The Colonials dropped to 1-1 against Central Collegiate Hockey Assoication opponents.

(Story courtesy of the LSSU Sports Information Department)