MARQUETTE, Mich. - The NMU hockey team dropped its Saturday night contest against the Lakers, falling 5-1.

The Lakers (3-6-0, 2-0-0) now take a 2-0 lead in the Cappo Cup series over the Wildcats (1-9-0, 0-4-0). NMU meets LSSU in the Sault Ste. Marie on February 7 and 8, 2025 to determine the winner of the inner-season tournament.

Zach Michaelis opened the game's scoring with his first of the season just two minutes into the game. Jakub Lewandowski and Nicolas Ardanaz both recorded assists, picking up their first points as Wildcats. 

Ryan Ouellette played the full 60 minutes, making 27 saves. Jakub Altrichter paced all skaters in shots (7), shots on goal (6), and faceoff wins (11/18, 61.1%).

The Wildcats were narrowly outshot, 29-32, went 1/1 on the PK and 0/2 on the PP, and blocked 14 shots to 11.

Dawson Tritt scored two goals, Sasha Teleguine recorded three assists, both Jacob Conrad and Timo Bakos scored a goal and an assist, and Rorke Applebee made 28 saves.

The 'Cats now hit the road for its first two-game CCHA road trip, heading southwest to Mankato, Minnesota, to take on the no. 16 Mavericks on November 15 and 16. 

This starts a five-week stretch where the 'Cats will be on the road for four of the five weekends. The Wildcats next home games are on December 6 and 7 against the Ferris State Bulldogs.