Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Men's Ice Hockey team returns to Atlantic Hockey action this weekend as they host the American International College (AIC) Yellow Jackets for a two-game series at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Lakers will look to build on their recent success following a shootout victory over Robert Morris. 

History 

Mercyhurst and AIC have a competitive history in Atlantic Hockey, with the Lakers holding a 21-14-2 edge all-time. The Lakers are 11-6-1 all-time at home in the series history.  In the last ten matchups, the Yellow Jackets are 7-2-1.  A season ago, the Yellow Jackets took game one, but game two ended in a tie.  The Lakers won the shootout 1-0.  

Laker Outlook 

Mercyhurst (4-20-4, 4-13-3 AHA) has shown resilience in recent outings, picking up a regulation win and a shootout win over Robert Morris last weekend. The Lakers have been led offensively by Dustin Geregach (7 goals, 14 assists, 21 points), while Mickey Burns (8 goals, 9 assists) and Steven Agriogianis (7 goals, 11 assists) continue to provide key scoring depth. 

In net, Carter McPhail has been a steady presence, posting a .908 save percentage across 18 starts. The Lakers will look to improve their power play, which has converted at 20.8% this season, while also tightening up defensively against an AIC team that has been effective on special teams. 

A Look at AIC 

AIC (8-17-1, 6-12-0 AHA) has had an up-and-down season but remains a dangerous opponent. The Yellow Jackets are led by Josh Barnes, who has recorded 17 points (12 goals, 5 assists), and Timofei Khokhlachev, who has contributed 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists). 

Defensively, AIC has struggled at times, allowing 3.42 goals per game. Goaltender Chase Clark has been their primary netminder, posting a .903 save percentage and a 3.31 goals-against average across 15 starts. The Yellow Jackets' power play is operating at a 19.2% clip, while their penalty kill sits at 84.9%. 

What to Watch For 

• Special Teams Battle: Both teams have similar power-play success rates, making discipline a key factor. 

• Key Scorers: Can Mercyhurst's Geregach and Burns outmatch AIC's Barnes and Khokhlachev? 

• Goaltending Matchup: McPhail and Clark will be central to their teams' chances of success. 

Next Up 

Following the series against AIC, Mercyhurst will stay in conference play as they prepare for a matchup against Holy Cross next weekend.