Setting the Stage
The Mercyhurst men's hockey team will host Sacred Heart University at the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Dec. 1-2 for a two game Atlantic Hockey weekend series.
 
Teddy Bear Toss
Saturday's game will be a Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used Teddy Bears to toss on the ice when the Lakers score their first goal of the game. All donations will go to the Salvation Army.
 
Lakers Defeat #9 Wisconsin
Mercyhurst is coming off of a split weekend series with Wisconsin. The Lakers won 3-2 on Saturday before falling 4-2 the next night.
 
Previous Matchup
Last season, the Lakers and Pioneers matched up four times and the Lakers went 1-2-1.
 
During those four games, Taylor Best scored five goals, Josh Lammon recorded two goals and Kane Elliot, Wes Baker and Jack Riley each tallied one goal.
 
All-Time Series
Mercyhurst holds a 25-23-5 all-time series advantage over Sacred Heart. The two teams have been even in the last 10 meetings with a 4-4-2 record.
 
Scouting Sacred Heart
The Pioneers are coming into the weekend with a 3-9-2 overall and 1-6-2 conference record.
 
They are coming out of a 3-3 tie and 5-3 loss against Air Force.
 
Marc Johnstone is on top of the Pioneers roster with 14 points. Vito Bavaro is close behind with 13 points and Zach Tsekos has 10 points.
 
Nathan Perry and Brett Magnus have split time in net, with 0-5-2 and 3-4-0 records, respectively. Perry has put forth a 4.08 goals against average and .874 save percentage. Magnus has earned a 4.19 GAA and .881 save percentage.
 
Laker Lineup
Derek Barach and Best are leading the Lakers with 12 points each. Les Lancaster is next with 11 points.
 
Brandon Wildung has a 5-5-2 record with a 3.19 GAA and .912 save percentage.
 
Power Play
Mercyhurst, 27.6 percent on the power play, is tied for third in the nation with Canisius College.
 
Players to Watch
For Mercyhurst
James Anderson scored two goals and added an assist for the Lakers last weekend. He now has two goals and five points on the season.
 
For Sacred Heart
Bavaro is riding a three-game point streak, picking up two goals and three points.
 
Coaches Corner
"We have to treat this weekend the same way and treat it like we're playing a nationally ranked team again," said assistant coach Greg Gardner. "The way we defend, the way we play offense, our energy, our execution and our forecheck… the way we control those things will lead us to success."
 
Next Up
The Lakers will travel to Springfield, MA to take on American International College on Dec. 8-9. Both games have a 7:05 p.m. puck drop.
 
Stay Connected
Keep up with the team by following our social media:
Twitter: @HurstMensHockey
Facebook: facebook.com/mercyhurstmenshockey
Instagram: @mercyhursthockey
Snapchat: @hurstmhockey