North Michigan News

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) hockey team is preparing for an important weekend as they travel to face Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in the final two games of the 2024-25 Cappo Cup Series. The games will take place at Taffy Abel Arena, with the puck set to drop at 7:07 PM on Friday and 6:07 PM on Saturday. Fans can catch the action via streaming on Midco Sports Plus or listen live on 100.3 The Point.

The Wildcats have faced challenges recently, experiencing a four-game losing streak despite a promising start to the year. They hold a record of 4-23-1 overall and 3-16-1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Meanwhile, their opponents, the Lakers, have also struggled with no wins in their last five matches, holding a record of 9-15-2 overall and 7-10-2 in conference play.

"The most important thing is we, as a team, are getting better," stated NMU head coach Dave Shyiak during his mid-week media session. He emphasized that while every game is challenging for his team, they remain determined and focused on improving execution and consistency.

The Cappo Cup has been awarded annually since the 1994-95 season to the winner of this historic rivalry series between NMU and LSSU. Currently, LSSU holds an advantage after winning both earlier encounters against NMU this season.

Reflecting on past performances against LSSU, Coach Shyiak acknowledged areas needing improvement such as special teams' effectiveness and goaltending consistency. "It's about continuing the process," he said.

Recent matches saw NMU fall short against Bowling Green with a narrow overtime loss followed by another defeat where they struggled initially but showed improved performance later in each game. "We didn't like our first period," Shyiak admitted regarding their recent matchups but praised his team's resilience in later periods.

Team captain Tanner Latsch made notable contributions over the weekend with two goals after returning from being sidelined previously. "He's got a lot on his shoulders," noted Shyiak about Latsch's leadership role within the squad.

As they look ahead to facing LSSU again this weekend — featuring key players such as Sasha Teleguine who leads among goal scorers — Coach Shyiak remains optimistic yet realistic about what lies ahead for NMUs upcoming contests away from home ice: "If we do that [focus], we've got real good chance coming away some points."

Projected starting goalie Rorke Applebee enters these crucial games holding respectable stats including .910 save percentage across twenty-four appearances thus far into season amidst mixed results defensively behind him overall thus far leading up till now under current circumstances faced therein accordingly throughout said duration aforementioned hereinabove priorly thereto...