Over the weekend NMU Hockey hosted a CCHA rival in the Lake Superior State Lakers. The Wildcats were unable to get a win either night the Lakers were in town. On Friday, the Wildcats were shut out by the Lakers 0-5. 

 “They were off and when you’re off that much and teams capitalize you’re not going to win to many games so um yeah I was obviously disappointed we lost but I don’t think the score was real Indica of how the game went,” Head Coach Dave Shyiak said.

Then on Saturday, the Wildcats again gave up five goals. This time, however, the team was able to score a goal making the final score 1-5. The Wildcats are now 1-9 overall.

“I thought we controlled the play but I think what happens there guys you have an experienced team and you find a way to extend the lead. I think you want to go in after the first period feeling good about your one-goal lead knowing that you started the game the right way unfortunately that didn’t happen for us. We have to find ways we’re not going to be a high-scoring team uh but we can find ways of winning games two to one three and two uh but we need everybody doing their part and doing their jobs and if we do that we’re capable of winning some games for sure,” Coach Shyiak said.

The one Wildcat goal of the weekend came from junior Forward Zach Michaelis in the first couple of minutes during Saturday’s game. 

Over half of the Wildcat team are underclassmen, and a lot of the team is new this year to the Wildcats. There are a handful of juniors on the team as well as a few seniors to help guide the younger players. However, the main makeup of this team is young.

“They’re young team guys a lot of people don’t realize we’re putting a lot of guys in the scoring line, they’re not they’re not quite ready for if you have an older team and a more experienced team, those guys help navigate you through the rough waters. Those are growing pains that we’re going to go through,” Coach Shyiak said. 

This weekend, the Wildcats will start their road series. First, the team will be traveling to Minnesota State, who are currently ranked number 16. 

“We told the guys that every game is going to be a challenge and we have to be at our best but we have to learn through it as well and now we’re going on the road against a very good opponent and Mankato has been really good the last 10 years and we’re traveling on the road,” Coach Shyiak said.