THE MATCH UP
The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team heads to Worcester, Mass., to play in its first Atlantic Hockey weekend series of the 2017-18 season.
 
Both Mercyhurst and Holy Cross have lost exhibition games in overtime during their preseasons.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Lakers took on Ryerson University on Saturday, October 7, and fell 7-6 in overtime.
 
PREVIOUS MATCHUP
The Lakers and Crusaders matched up four times last season. Each team recorded one win. The teams also played to two ties.
 
During the first weekend series at the Mercyhurst Ice Center, the Lakers split the series with a 3-2 loss and 4-2 win. Jonathan Charbonneau picked up four goals and an assist while goaltender Colin DeAugustine earned his first collegiate win.
 
When Mercyhurst traveled to Holy Cross later in the season, both games ended in 3-3 ties.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES
Mercyhurst holds a 36-16-7 advantage over Holy Cross.
 
SCOUTING HOLY CROSS
The Crusaders returned 23 players, including four of their top five scorers for the 2017-18 season. They have also added five players to their roster.
 
Goaltender Paul Berrafato returns for his senior season. Last year, he appeared in all 36 games for the Crusaders, posting a 2.51 goals-against average and .906 save percentage.
 
Holy Cross fell 5-4 in overtime to Carleton in their exhibition game on Sept. 30. During the game, Ryan Ferrill and Brett Mulcahy both recorded two points.
 
Holy Cross is ranked sixth on the Atlantic Hockey Preseason Coaches Poll with 58 points, beating out Mercyhurst who received 52 points for seventh place.
 
LAKER LINEUP
Jack Riley recorded a hat trick during the Lakers' exhibition game against Ryerson. He ended the night with four points.
 
Joseph Duszak and Derek Barach each had a three-point nights -- Duszak with two goals and an assist and Barach with three assists.
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For Mercyhurst: Derek Barach led the Lakers in assists with 28 and in points with 37 last season.
 
For Holy Cross: Danny Lopez led the team in points last season, with 33 and led the AHA in power play goals with 12.
 
NEXT TIME OUT
The Lakers will host their third SnowTown ThrowDown at the Erie Insurance Arena on Oct. 20-21. This year's contests will be against Ferris State on Friday at 7:05 p.m. and Saturday at 2:35 p.m. Tickets can be bought at: http://erieevents.com
 
STAY CONNECTED
Keep up with the team by following our social media:
Twitter: @HurstMensHockey
Facebook: facebook.com/mercyhurstmenshockey
Instagram: @mercyhursthockey
Snapchat: @hurstmhockey