Lake Superior State, the least-penalized team in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, gave up three power-play goals in a 3-3 tie with the U.S. Under-18 squad during Friday’s exhibition game at Taffy Abel Arena.
The Lakers (6-7-5) and the Under-18ers have skated to a draw each of the last two years. The U.S. squad is 15-14-3 overall, 6-11-3 against college teams and 0-4-1 against CCHA opponents.
Both teams scored a goal in each period. Team USA finished 3-for-4 on the power play, while the Lakers were 1-for-5. LSSU outshot the U.S., 35-31.
Matt Auffrey, who has signed a national letter of intent with Wisconsin, opened the scoring at 17:41 of the first period. Laker freshman Matt Restoule answered with an even-strength goal at 17:50.
Restoule scored again at 4:18 to give the Lakers a 2-1 lead, but Team USA’s Jason DeSantis tied it with a goal at 18:44.
Tom Fritsche, an Ohio State signee, gave the U.S. a 3-2 lead at 7:49 as Michigan signees Bryan Lerg and Kevin Porter picked up their second assists.
Laker freshman Jeffrey Rainville rounded out the scoring with LSSU’s only power-play goal at 9:01 of the third period.
Rainville, Trent Campbell, Nathan Ward, Tim Krueckl, Colin Nicholson and Barnabas Birkeland picked up assists for LSSU.
Team USA goalie Jordan Pearce totaled 32 saves. LSSU starting goaltender Matt Violin had eight saves through 28:52 and left the game with the Lakers leading, 2-1. Jeff Jakaitis entered the game in the second period and totaled 20 saves in 36:08.
LSSU and Team USA combined for three shots on goal in the overtime period.
The Lakers resume CCHA play next Friday and Saturday at Ohio State.
