Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) hockey team is set to host the Lake Superior State Lakers this weekend, marking the beginning of the 2024/25 Cappo Cup series. The games will take place at the Berry Events Center on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9.

The Cappo Cup is a historic rivalry trophy awarded annually since the 1994-95 season to the winner of the season series between NMU and Lake Superior State University (LSSU). This year, both teams are looking to improve their records as they face off in conference play.

Puck drop for Friday's game is scheduled for 7:07 PM, while Saturday's game will start at 6:07 PM. Fans can watch the games on Midco Sports Plus or listen via radio coverage from 100.3 The Point.

NMU head coach Dave Shyiak commented on the upcoming matches: "[Lake State] is in the UP, it's bragging rights, and we should have good crowds again. They're league conference games and we've got to find a way to continue to get better."

The Wildcats are coming off a series against Michigan Tech without securing wins but showed promise according to Shyiak. "I gotta give Tech credit... We had chances I thought to make it a three-goal lead and we didn't convert," he said about their recent performance.

Grayden Slipec was named CCHA Rookie of the Week after scoring two goals and an assist against Michigan Tech. His linemates Jakub Altrichter and Medrick Bolduc also contributed significantly in that game.

On the other side, Reagan Milburn leads LSSU with five points over six contests this season. Rorke Applebee has been LSSU's main goaltender with a GAA of 3.78 and an SV% of .891 through five games.

Both teams aim for victory as they compete not only for points but also for Upper Peninsula bragging rights in this longstanding rivalry.