LSSU keeps Coppo Cup
MARQUETTE, Mich. — The NMU hockey team dropped a 5-2 empty-net decision on senior night at the Berry Events Center.
The Wildcats (3-28-1, 3-20-1 CCHA) honored seniors Nicolas Ardanaz, Tynan Ewart, Zane Demsey, Caiden Gault, Kyle Bettens, Danny Ciccarello, and Matthew Argentina before puck drop with a wonderful ceremony for those family, friends, and fans in attendance. The Wildcats all-time record on senior night now moves to 26-18-3.
The Lakers (11-18-2, 8-15-1) earned all six CCHA points and retained the Cappo Cup with its regulation wins this weekend. The cup will now stay in the hands of the Lakers for one more year, extending to three consecutive seasons where the Lakers have brought the trophy to the Sault Ste. Marie.
The Wildcats opened the scoring on the game’s first man-advantage once again, but this time it was Peter Cisar wiring home a wicked one-timer from the left circle. Penalties were in the cards for the Lakers in the first period; after the first Laker penalty, Ryan Beck received a five-minute major and game misconduct, and a pair of Lakers took penalties in the dying minutes to give NMU an abbreviated five-on-three advantage going into the second period. The Wildcats outshot the Lakers 15-4, with 29 attempts to nine in period one.
After taking a big hit in the first period, forward Michael Burchill did not return to the bench for the second period. The Wildcats got a hero shift from senior Nicolas Ardanaz, blocking two heavy shots while killing a penalty. The Lakers broke through on the next man-advantage, as two Wildcats broke sticks and LSSU skated essentially three-men up before scoring its first, and defenseman Mike Brown gave the Lakers the lead after his point shot hit a Wildcat defenseman. Seniors Matthew Argentina and Caiden Gault connected to tie the game, and the teams skated to two goals apiece.
After a failed goaltender interference challenge, a Laker deflection stood, and the Wildcats were in a two-goal hole. Head coach Dave Shyiak would end up pulling freshman goaltender Max Weilandt with about eight minutes left, and they were able to generate plenty of positive looks and grade-A chances, but were unable to convert. Sasha Teleguine added the empty net tally with a minute and fifty seconds left.
For the game, NMU edged LSSU in shots on target at 29-28, while holding a wide margin in shot attempts at 70-57. Both teams were whistled for six penalties, as the Lakers went 2/6 on its chances compared to NMU at 1/5. The Lakers controlled the faceoff circle at 44-24, and edged the ‘Cats in blocked shots at 24-21.
Mathew Ward and Gault led the field with 13 and 11 shot attempts, respectively, and Ardanaz led the ‘Cats in blocks (4) and was followed by Tynan Ewart, Ward, and Cliche with three, respectively.
‘Cat Nips
- Cisar (4-5–9) now has goals in back-to-back contests as the freshman recorded three points in two games this weekend.
- Gault (15-2–17) added his fourth point in five games while firing a season-high 11 shots
- Joe Schiller (3-6–9) has points in back-to-back games, as the sophomore blueliner tallied three points on the weekend.
- Tobias Pitka (5-6–11) now has five points in five games thanks to an assist tonight.
- Argentina (4-6–10) added an assist on senior night, his first point in four games.
- Freshman goalie Max Weilandt earned his first career collegiate start, making 23 saves in the effort.
How It Happened
The Wildcats worked it around on the man advantage before Schiller slid a pass to Cisar on top of the circle. Cisar fired a wicked one-timer that went bar-down past the ear of Applebee.
The Lakers converted on the power play after two Wildcats broke sticks, working it down low and driving the net while they had the opportunity, as the NMU players had broken sticks.
Brown took a shot from the point that hit an NMU defender and redirected past Weilandt, a fortunate bounce for LSSU.
Senior Argentina stole the puck at his own blueline and galloped down the right wing with Gault crashing down the middle on a two-on-one. Argentina made a centering pass to Gault, who was able to elevate his shot from in tight to beat Applebee over the shoulder.
Caiden Gault finishes off the 2-on-1 feed from Matthew Argentina! @NMUHockey levels things quickly.
There was a scramble at the side of the Wildcat net, where Weilandt was impeded as his stick was knocked from his hands and kicked away. A shot from the point was deflected infront and trickled between his legs, giving Lake State the lead.
A quick chip out of the Laker zone sprung Herrington on a breakaway and beat Weilandt along the ice to double the Laker lead.
Teleguine stole the puck from a Wildcat defender and scored into the empty net.
Up Next
The 2025/26 regular season comes to a close next weekend in Mankato, Minnesota, where the Wildcats will face the Mavericks in the regular season finale.
