Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Men's Hockey team goes on the road for the first time this season as they head to Troy, N.Y. to take on RPI this weekend.
1. All-Time vs RPI
Mercyhurst and RPI have played just 10 times since 2000, the Lakers are 3-7-0 against the Engineers all-time. The teams last played in the 2013-14 season, the teams split the weekend series in Erie with the Lakers taking the first game and RPI the second game. The Lakers haven't made the trip to Troy since the 2012-13 season in which RPI won both games.
2. Recapping Opening Weekend
Last weekend the Lakers opened their season at home against No. 16 Ohio State. In front of sold out crowd on Saturday the Lakers hung on with the Buckeyes but ultimately fell 4-2 after an empty net goal. Jonathan Bendorf scored the first goal of the year for the Lakers while Garrett Dahm scored his first career goal later in the game. Tyler Harmon made his Laker debut and made 40 saves.
On Sunday, the Lakers fell 4-1, Carson Briere scored the lone goal for the Lakers while Rylee St. Onge and Dalton Hunter earned assists. Harmon made 40 saves for the second straight game for the Lakers.
3. Experienced On D
The Laker defense core has combined for over 550 games played in college. Owen Norton has played in 126 games for the Lakers which is the most on the team and the most in Atlantic Hockey. Brendon Michaelian is second on the team as he has played in 125 game across three different teams. Cade Townend has also played in 93 games for the Lakers which in also among the most in the conference. In total 10 total players for the Lakers have played in 80 or more games.
4. Honor Roll
Mercyhurst defensemen Jake Beaune has been named Defensive Player of the Week by the AHA. The native of Livonia, Michigan played in both games for the Lakers and was one of just two Lakers to have a plus rating as he was +3. He tallied two shots on goal in the two games while blocking four shots against the No. 16 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. This is the first time he has earned an AHA weekly honor.
5. Scouting RPI
The Engineers went 18-23-3 overall last season and 10-12-0 in ECAC play. RPI made the ECAC playoffs and hosted Dartmouth in the first round on home ice, the Engineers defeated the Big Green and faced Harvard in the second round. RPI fell to Harvard in three games on the road to end their season. The top five point getters from last season all graduated or transferred from last season. RPI has seven freshman this season along with seven freshman including former Laker Austin Heidemann. In net Linden Marshall graduated after playing in 26 games last season. Jack Watson played in 22 games while starting in 19 games. He had a .922 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average.
