Men's Hockey has a game of firsts with 4-0 win over Lakers

Mendota Heights, Minn. -- Freshman Aaron Trotter made 23 saves and recorded both his first collegiate shutout and the program's first Division I shutout in Friday night's 4-0 victory over Lake Superior State in CCHA play at Saint Thomas Ice Arena.

The Tommies (3-12 overall, 2-7 CCHA) halted a six-game losing streak. Playing in the 51st game of the D-I era, Coach Rico Blasi's group put together one of its better overall performances over 60 minutes. The Toms took just one penalty, whistled in the game's final 2:00.

After a scoreless opening 20:00, the Purple recorded the program's first three-goal period in D-I play when they collected three goals in a 7:14 span of period two for a 3-0 lead. Josh Eernisse scored two in a 4:15 span and Cameron Recchi added a third goal three minutes later.

Freshman Jake Braccini scored a power-play goal in period three to close out the scoring.

The Lakers (1-8-2, 0-4-1) got 32 saves from goalie Seth Eisele.

Quoting Coach Rico Blasi

"Obviously we got a couple of bounces today (go our way) which was nice, but we just keep grinding away. It's what we've been seeing these past few weeks, stay focused on what we do and try to get better. As the game went on today we did that. All of it is coming together with the way we have been playing and the way we have been practicing.

"We didn't start out great, they had some chances, then (Aaron) Trotter made some saves. But (Saturday) is another day, and we have to get ready to go."

Next Up

The teams close out the weekend CCHA series here Saturday with a 6:07 p.m. puck drop.

Did You Know?

Freshman Luc Laylin contributed three assists -- the third Tommie to record three in one game so far in the D-I era.

The Toms have limited opponents to three or less goals in eight of 15 contests this season.

Next Event

Team Stats

Luc Laylin

Josh Eernisse

Cameron Recchi

Jake Braccini

Players Mentioned

Jake Braccini

Josh Eernisse

Luc Laylin

Cameron Recchi

Aaron Trotter