Great Lakes Wire

The NMU hockey team faced a challenging start in the Cappo Cup series, falling to Lake Superior State with a 5-0 defeat. The game, held in Marquette, Michigan, saw LSSU excel on the power play, scoring four goals out of six opportunities. In contrast, NMU was unable to capitalize on any of its four power-play chances.

Lake Superior State showcased a balanced attack with five different players finding the back of the net. Notably, Levandowski, Schweitzer, Tritt, and Druskinis scored during power plays. Ryan Ouellette started as NMU's goaltender but allowed two goals from eight shots before Ethan Barwick took over in the second period. Barwick made nine saves during his 40 minutes on the ice.

Grayden Slipec led all skaters with ten shots and six on target for NMU. Matthew Romer followed with six attempts and four reaching the goal. In face-offs, Billy Renfrew and Jesse Tucker stood out for the Wildcats with win rates of 61.5% and 57.1%, respectively.

Despite outshooting LSSU 35-20 and having an advantage in face-offs at 26-23, NMU could not overcome Rorke Applebee's strong performance in goal for Lake Superior State. Applebee stopped every shot he faced, earning his second shutout this season.

The Wildcats also recorded 17 blocks compared to the Lakers' four but will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for game two of the series at Berry Events Center.