Worcester, Mass. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team is set to take on the Holy Cross Crusaders in a weekend series at the Hart Center Rink. The Lakers look to bounce back after a tough series against AIC, while the Crusaders enter the matchup riding an eight-game winning streak. 

History 

The Lakers lead the all-time series over Holy Cross 32-17-9.  The Crusaders won both matchups a season ago, but the Lakers are winners of four of the last six in the series history.  The Lakers have had success on the road in the series history, holding a 13-9-5 record all-time.     

Laker Outlook 

Mercyhurst (4-22-4, 4-15-3 AHA) has struggled to find consistency this season but has shown flashes of strong play.  Dustin Geregach leads the Lakers with 21 points (7G, 14A), while Mickey Burns (8G, 9A) and Steven Agriogianis (7G, 11A) continue to provide offensive production. 

Goaltender Carter McPhail has been a key piece for Mercyhurst, posting a .908 save percentage despite facing one of the highest shot totals in the conference. The Lakers will need to tighten up defensively, as they are allowing 4.3 goals per game, while their offense is averaging just 2.3 goals per game. 

Special teams will be a focal point, with Mercyhurst's power play operating at a 19.8% clip, while their penalty kill has struggled at 70.9%. 

Scouting Holy Cross 

Holy Cross (17-11-2, 16-4-2 AHA) has been one of the top teams in the conference this season, led by Liam McLinskey, who has racked up 33 points (18G, 15A). Matt DeBoer (8G, 16A) and Devin Phillips (8G, 14A) provide additional scoring depth, making the Crusaders a dangerous offensive unit. 

Defensively, Holy Cross is allowing just 2.3 goals per game, thanks in large part to goaltender Thomas Gale, who boasts a .929 save percentage and a 2.12 GAA. The Crusaders' power play has been one of the best in the conference, converting at 23.9%, while their penalty kill sits at an impressive 90.0%, which is the third best in all of college hockey. 

Keys to the Game 

• Battle in Net – McPhail will need to be at his best against a Holy Cross offense averaging 3.2 goals per game, while Gale looks to continue his strong season. 

• Special Teams Showdown – Holy Cross has a dominant power play, while Mercyhurst has struggled on the penalty kill. Staying out of the box will be crucial for the Lakers. 

• Offensive Urgency – Mercyhurst must generate more offensive chances against a disciplined Holy Cross defense. Players like Geregach and Burns will be counted on to break through. 

Next Up 

Following the series against Holy Cross, Mercyhurst will travel to face RIT in the final series of the regular season.