Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team returns to action this weekend as they host the RIT Tigers at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Lakers are looking to bounce back from a tough start to their 2024-25 season, while RIT aims to continue building momentum after splitting their opening series. 

History 

The Lakers and Tigers first met back in the 1988-89 season. Neither team played each other from the 1998-99 season and the 2006-07 season.  Since they began playing again, RIT leads the series 34-20-6.  The Lakers and Tigers split the season series a season ago and the Lakers won the most recent matchup 3-2.   

Laker Outlook 

Mercyhurst comes into the weekend with an 0-2 record, dropping both games of their opening series against Bowling Green. The Lakers have shown flashes of offensive promise, with Riley Fitzgerald and Boris Skalos leading the way, each posting two points (one goal, one assist). Jake Beaune, Tyler DesRochers, and Dustin Geregach have each added a goal. 

In net, Simon Bucheler and Carter McPhail have shared the goaltending duties. Bucheler made 25 saves in his first start, posting a solid .926 save percentage. Mercyhurst's defense, led by Caleb Price and Ryan Coughlin, will need to tighten up against a dangerous RIT offense. 

A Look at RIT 

RIT received votes in both the USCHO and the USA Hockey/Rink Live poll this week.  This is the second straight week they received votes in both polls.

RIT enters the matchup with a 1-1 record after splitting their season-opening series on the road. The Tigers are led offensively by Dimitri Mikrogiannakis, who has already tallied two goals and one assist in two games. Nick Cafarelli and Tanner Andrew have also contributed to the Tigers' offense with a goal each. 

In net, Jakub Krbecek has been solid for the Tigers, posting a .941 save percentage through his first start. RIT's defense, anchored by Crossley Stewart and Kevin Scott, has been effective early on, allowing just five goals in two games. 

What to Watch For 

• Mercyhurst's offense: The Lakers will look to improve their finishing in this series. Key players like Riley Fitzgerald and Boris Skalos will need to find the back of the net as they face a disciplined RIT defense. 

• Goaltending showdown: Both Simon Bucheler and Jakub Krbecek have shown early promise in net, and the matchup between these two goaltenders could play a significant role in determining the outcome. 

• RIT's offense: Led by Dimitri Mikrogiannakis and Nick Cafarelli, RIT's offensive unit will challenge Mercyhurst's defense. Watch for key plays from the Tigers' forwards in the offensive zone. 

• Special teams battle: With both teams showing discipline on the penalty kill, capitalizing on power-play opportunities could be critical. Mercyhurst will aim to sharpen its special teams play, while RIT will look to continue their strong start on the man advantage. 

Next Up 

After their two-game series against RIT, the Lakers will hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Union College.