Lakers Fall to No. 3 Michigan In Series Conclusion

Sault Ste Marie, MI – The Lakers fell 7-4 against No. 3 Michigan tonight in the series conclusion in Ann Arbor after a tough battle for three periods of hockey.

The Lakers were down 2-0 early in the first period just a minute in when Michigan’s Thomas Bordeleau opened scoring with a power-play goal, less than two minutes later Michael Pastujov scored an even strength goal to put the Lakers behind to start out the game.

The Lakers would break through at 8:40 of the first period with freshman, Brett Roloson, tallying his first collegiate goal being assisted by Josh Nixon and Timo Bakos to cut the lead by one. At 12:00 of the first period, Josh Wildauer picked up the puck at the corner and drove it home to tie up the game. The Lakers would continue to keep the pressure on the Wolverines. With less than a minute left in the period, Brandon Puricelli scored a power play goal on a deflection from the circle. Puricelli’s goal was assisted by Jacob Bengtsson and Josh Wildauer.

Lakers would look to continue their lead starting the second period as captain Louis Boudon tacked on a fourth goal with a quick give and go goal just 57 seconds into the period. Boudon’s goal was assisted by Josh Wildauer & Brandon Puricelli. Lakers would hold onto their two-goal lead until 4:10 when Michigan would cut the lead, followed by a game-tying goal at 18:33. The Wolverines would go on to score three more goals in the third period but the Lakers weren’t able to break through Portillo.

Throughout three periods, fourteen penalties were called giving special teams plenty of ice time opportunity. The Lakers would convert on one power-play; Michigan tallied three power-play goals on the night.

Ethan Langenegger made 32 saves for the Lakers, while Portillo made 26 saves.

The Lakers will begin conference play next Friday, October 15th at the Taffy Abel Arena, opening up against new CCHA competitor, St. Thomas. The Lakers will unveil their WCHA Championship banner on Saturday, October 16th in a pregame ceremony as a part of Great Lake State Weekend.