SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (Taffy Abel Arena) – Lake Superior State University score three second-period goals, including two off the stick of Max Humitz, to erase an early Bemidji State lead and cruise to a 5-2 Western Collegiate Hockey Association victory Friday at Taffy Abel Arena.

After a scoreless first period, the Beavers took the first lead of the game off the stick of Nick Cardelli at the 3:15 mark of the second, but the lead would last only 60 seconds. A turnover behind the BSU net would lead directly to a Laker goal and flip the tide in Lake Superior State’s favor.

LSSU took its first lead at the 10:24 mark. With Tyler Jubenvill headed to the penalty box, Collin Saccoman made good on a delayed penalty goal and set the Lakers up with their first power-play opportunity of the evening. While Lake Superior State didn’t convert on on the chance, the Lakers scored moments later. Humitz capped the play with a backhand shot past BSU goaltender Zach Driscoll at the 14:13 mark of the frame to send the teams into the break with LSSU holding a commanding 3-1 lead. It was Humitz’s second goal of the night.

Half way through the third period, the Beavers caught a break and got a power-play chance. But LSSU countered with a short-handed goal to take a 4-1 lead at the 12:24 mark.

The Beavers answered at the 15:38 mark. When LSSU goaltender Nick Kossoff turned aside an Adam Brady attempt and a Laker defender attempted to clear the puck, rookie Owen Sillinger picked off the puck and sniped his seventh tally of the season from the top of the slot.

Lake Superior State ended the BSU comeback attempt and put the game out of reach at the 16:41 mark. Yuki Miura capped a rush with his first goal of the season.

BSU was led by Sillinger who posted a team-high two points (1g-1a).

Driscoll allowed five goals in the loss. His record dips to 7-6-1. He posted 25 saves.

BSU, now 12-12-3 overall and 10-8-1-0 in league play, will attempt to keep pace with the Lakers tomorrow at 6:07 p.m. (CT). With LSSU taking a four-point lead over BSU for fourth place, BSU could keep a chance at hosting the first round of the WCHA Playoffs within reach tomorrow with a victory over the Lakers.

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