Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Men's Hockey team is set for a weekend series against the Clarkson Golden Knights. The Lakers are still looking for their first win of the season as they travel to Potsdam, NY. for a two-game matchup against the ECAC opponent. 
 
1. All-Time vs Clarkson 
The Lakers have a 1-7 record against the Golden Knights coming into the weekend series. Mercyhurst was swept by Clarkson in each of their first two series coming in the 2001-02 and the 2003-04 seasons. In 2012, Mercyhurst bested Clarkson for the first time winning 3-1 in Cheel Arena. Their last meeting came in the 2020-21 season in Erie where Clarkson captured an overtime win in game one and topped the Lakers by a score of 6-2 in game two. 
 
2. So Far…
Two of the Lakers three opponents this season have been ranked in the top-20. Mercyhurst opened their year against No. 16 Ohio State at home where they fell twice to the Buckeyes. Two weeks later, Mercyhurst went head-to-head with No. 20 Penn State where the Nittany Lions took both games winning by scores of 6-3 and 4-1. The Lakers also faced ECAC member RPI losing 6-3 in game one and falling 3-2 in overtime in game two.
 
3. Delightful Defense 
Mercyhurst's defense has been a bright spot early this year. They lead the AHA in blocked shots averaging 17.67 per game, with Philip Waugh leading the team with 15 blocks. Freshman netminder Owen Say made his debut for the Lakers at home last weekend where he put up a .933 save percentage. 
 
4. Staying Out of Trouble 
The Lakers are averaging the least penalty minutes per game in the AHA this season. When Mercyhurst has found themselves on the penalty kill they have stopped their opponents 16 of 20 times giving them one of the best percentages in the conference. Grad transfer Eric Esposito recorded a shorthanded goal for the Lakers at Penn State last Friday.
 
5. Scouting Clarkson
Clarkson comes into the matchup with the Lakers with an 0-3 record. The Golden Knights took an overtime loss at home against New Hampshire to begin their season. They have also suffered losses to Merrimack and Providence College. Noah Beck is their points leader with five, scoring twice and assisting his teammates three times. Ethan Haider has seen all the action in net for the Golden Knights recording a 3.65 GAA and a .894 save percentage in the first three games. Coach Casey Jones is behind the bench for his 12^th season with Clarkson.