The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team opens the 2016-17 season with a home game against the Nittany Lions of Penn State University at the Erie Insurance Arena for the second Snowtown Throwdown in club history. Game starts at 7:05 p.m.

The Matchup

• This contest marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
• This is the first regular season game for the Lakers, and the third for the Nittany Lions.

Scouting the Nittany Lions

• The Nittany Lions started off their season last weekend with a home series against No. 16 St. Lawrence. They split the weekend series with the Saints, winning the first game, 4-2, and losing the second game, 6-3.
• The Nittany Lions were picked fourth in the Big Ten preseason coaches' poll for the second consecutive year.
• Last season, the Nittany Lions were picked sixth in the Big Ten, but ended up finishing the regular season in third, which ultimately led to them advancing to the conference semifinals.
• The Nittany Lions added 10 freshmen and returned five seniors to their roster this season, including top scorers from last season, senior David Goodwin and sophomores Andrew Sturtz and Chase Berger.
• Sturtz is leading the Nittany Lion roster in points with three [2g 1a]. He tallied the gam-winner during the Nittany Lions' 4-2 win over the Saints.

Laker Talent

• The Lakers return eight of their top ten scorers from last year, including sophomores Derek Barach and Les Lancaster and redshirt-junior Jack Riley.
• They added five freshmen to their roster, including Joey Duszak, who was named 2016 United States Premier Hockey League Defenseman of the Year.

Snowtown Throwdown Past

• During the 2014-15 season, the Lakers held the first-ever Snowtown Throwdown against Ohio State. In the two-game weekend series, the Lakers dropped the first game, 6-3, and tied the second game, 2-2.
• The event raised $2,000 for the Mental Health Association of Northwest Pennsylvania. The Lakers were able to give the money and blankets to The Warming Center.

Game Notes

• Tickets for this game will be on sale at the door. They can also be purchased online or by calling the Erie Insurance Arena Box Office at (814) 452-4857. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and 65+. Children under 3 are free.
• Doors open at 6 p.m.

Next Time Out

• The Lakers will welcome Niagara on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 7:05 p.m.

Social Media

• Keep up with the team by following our social media:
• Mercyhurst Athletics on Twitter @HurstAthletics
• Men's Ice Hockey on Twitter @HurstMensHockey
• Facebook - facebook.com/mercyhurstmenshockey
• Instagram @mercyhursthockey.