Schenectady, NY.  – The Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team returns to action this weekend as they travel to Union College for a two-game non-conference series at the Messa Rink at Achilles Center.  The Lakers will look to build on their first victory of the season while Union enters the matchup with a 2-1 record. 

History 

The Lakers and Garnet Chargers have only played three times in both programs' history.  Each side has a win in the series and the other game ended in a tie.  The last time the two teams met was back in the 2004-05 season, the Garnet Chargers won that game 3-2.     

Laker Outlook 

Mercyhurst comes into the weekend with a 1-3 overall record, having split their recent series with RIT. The Lakers showed resilience in their 4-2 victory over RIT on Friday, with contributions from Ryan Coughlin, Barrett Brooks, and Mickey Burns. Boris Skalos and Dustin Geregach have also been key offensive contributors, each posting four and three points, respectively, through the first four games of the season. 

In net, Simon Bucheler has been solid, recording a .930 save percentage in three starts, including a standout 37-save performance in the Lakers' first win. Mercyhurst will look to tighten up defensively, having allowed an average of 3.3 goals per game. 

Trent Sambrook was named Defenseman of the Week by the AHA this week for his three-assist weekend against RIT.   

A Look at Union 

Union College enters the series with a 2-1 record, having secured wins over Army and UConn. The Garnet Chargers are led offensively by John Prokop and Parker Lindauer, who have combined for seven points through three games. Carter Korpi and Josh Nixon have also been effective, each scoring twice to power Union's attack. 

Goaltender Kyle Chauvette has posted a .898 save percentage through three starts, backstopping Union to a pair of wins. Defensively, Union has been strong, holding opponents to 2.99 goals per game. 

What to Watch For 

• Skalos and Geregach Leading the Lakers' Attack: Boris Skalos and Dustin Geregach have been instrumental in the Lakers' offense early in the season. Look for these two players to create scoring opportunities and challenge Union's defense. 

• Goaltending Duel: Simon Bucheler and Kyle Chauvette have both played key roles for their respective teams. Bucheler has been sharp for Mercyhurst, and his performance could be the difference-maker in this series. 

• Union's Offensive Depth: The Garnet Chargers have a balanced attack with multiple scoring threats, including John Prokop and Parker Lindauer. Mercyhurst's defense will need to focus on limiting their scoring chances. 

• Special Teams Impact: Both teams will need to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Mercyhurst is converting on 17.6% of their chances, while Union's penalty kill will look to maintain its solid early-season form. 

Next Up 

Following this weekend's series against Union, the Lakers will hit the road for a Tuesday night matchup with Canisius, before a home and home with Niagara on Friday and Saturday.