SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Mercyhurst College men's hockey team extended its winning streak to four games Saturday evening as the Lakers completed the sweep of American International with a 2-0 victory at the Olympia Ice Center in Springfield, Mass.

Entering the game with an offense that was averaging nearly 5.7 goals per game over the past three games, the Lakers only needed one thanks to junior Ryan Zapolski's play in net. The Erie, Pa., native turned aside 36 shots to record his fifth career shutout and help the Lakers improve to 6-9-1 on the season and 6-5-1 in Atlantic Hockey play after going 2-9-1 through their first 12 games.

Offensively, sophomore Patrick Goebel proved to the be the hero for the second time this season when he scored his second goal in as many games just over three minutes into the second period. His first collegiate goal earlier this season stood as the game-winner in a 6-2 win over Bentley.

The Lakers got some breathing room midway through the third when junior Jesse Echternach found the back of the net with his second collegiate goal at the 9:59 mark, punctuating the team's ninth-straight win over the Yellow Jackets dating back to the 2006-07 season.

Both teams combined for 60 shots and 13 power-play opportunities in the game. American International outshot the Lakers 36-34 and went 0-for-5 with the extra skater. Mercyhurst, on the other hand, finished 0-for-8 on the power play.

The Lakers return home next weekend to host Connecticut on Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:05 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.