Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team returns to the ice for the first time in 33 days this weekend for a non-conference matchup with the Yale Bulldogs.  Puck-drop for Friday's game is set for 3 PM.     

What You Missed 

The Lakers last played in early December when they swept a series against Lindenwood.  Before winter break, the Lakers went 3-1 in their last four games to finish the first half of their season strong.  Sophomore Forward Thea Johansson played for Team Sweden in the Five-Nations Tournament.  Johansson was able to help Team Sweden win that tournament in mid-December.  Assistant Coach Emily Ach will be helping with the U18 Women's National Hockey team in Switzerland and will return to the Lakers in mid-January.  The Lakers enter the second part of their schedule on a two-game winning streak and will look to continue that streak as they work their way towards a CHA championship.        

History Lesson 

Before last season, it had been 10 years since the Lakers and Bulldogs last played.  In that meeting a season ago, the Bulldogs took both games of the series.  The Lakers lead the all-time series 11-2, winning the first 11 games of the series.  The Lakers are 5-0 all-time at home against the Bulldogs and will look to continue that streak this weekend.   

Flashback   

The Lakers took game one over the Lions 8-5 in a back and forth, high scoring affair.  Sofia Nuutinen got the Lakers on the board with a goal just 27 seconds into the game.  The Lions were able to tie it up at one just two minutes later.  The Lakers went on the powerplay, and Sofia Nuutinen scored her second goal of the game to give the Lakers a 2-1 lead.  Late in the first, the Lions tied it up at two.  It was all tied up going into the second period.  The Lakers scored four goals in the second period, while the Lions scored three.  Olivia Cvar, Makayla Javier, Thea Johansson, and Sydney Pedersen all netted a goal for the Lakers in that period.  After two periods of play the Lakers led the Lions 6-5.  The third period was much quieter than the first two.  Only two goals were scored in the period, and they were both by the Lakers and both by way of an empty net.  Thea Johansson scored the first and Sara Boucher scored the second.  In game two, the Lakers completed the sweep with a 4-1 win.  The Lakers scored four times in the first period and the Lions got a late goal to avoid the shutout.  Ena Nystrom was excellent between the pipes, getting her eighth win of the season while stopping 28 shots.   

Stats Leaders 

Sara Boucher leads the Lakers in goals with 11 and points with 22.  Boucher also sits in second in goals and third in points in the CHA.  Sydney Pedersen leads the Lakers in assists with 14 and sits second on the team in points with 19.  Pedersen also sits in second in the CHA in assists.  Ena Nystrom is 8-10-1 with a .916 save percentage, 2.67 GAA, and 554 saves.  Sofia Nuutinen continues her stellar freshman season, sitting currently with 8 goals, 10 assists, for 18 points.  After a slow start to the season, Vanessa Upson has found her stride, totaling five points in the last four games (2G, 3A). 

A Look at the Opponent    

The Bulldogs are 9-8 overall and 7-5 in the ECAC this season.  The Bulldogs have a record of 3-6 on the road so far this season.  Elle Hartje leads the team with 15 assists, 21 points, and 21 blocked shots.  Jordan Ray leads the team in goals with eight, and is tied for second in assists with seven, and is in sole possession of second in points with 15.  Pia Dukaric is 8-7 in the net with a .905 save percentage, 2.00 goals allowed average and 286 saves.