Opportunity

In what has become tradition at Oswego State during Family and Friends weekend, the Lakers will face off against the CCHL All-Graduate team in the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena in an exhibition. Each year, this contest has become a proving ground for players teetering on the edge of being scratched to convince Coach Ed Gosek and his staff that they deserve a spot in lineup.

Injuries

Over the offseason, two defensemen, Kristoffer Brun and Joey Rutkowski underwent surgery for injuries they sustained last season. Both players participated in practice throughout the week. Brun will be in the lineup tonight for the exhibition, paired with sophomore Charlie Pelnik. Rutkowski will be one of two scratches for the Lakers, as well as defenseman Tyler Currie.

Goaltending

Goalies David Richer and Cedric Hansen will be expected to split time in net tonight, with Richer getting the start. With Richer’s zero minutes of college hockey experience, Gosek will be anxious to see how the Mirabel, Quebec native performs. Hansen, who has only 40 minutes of play under his belt, will come in relief of Richer. Sophomore walk-on Teddy Nolan will also be on the bench, and may potentially see some playing time tonight.

Lineup

The Lakers will be dressing nine new players tonight. The first line features two first-year players, forwards A.J. D’Orazio and Michael Gillespie.

Oswego State

CCHL All-Graduate Team

Player To Watch

Oswego State- Cam Berry

Coming into his junior season, Berry will be thrust into a much larger role in the offense. Listed on the second line tonight, the Chandler, Arizona native will look to step up and take over the large scoring void that was left by last year’s explosive senior class.

Game Prediction

All Oswego State players will come out tonight with an intent to prove themselves individually. Each player will have something to show the coaching staff that they belong and that should ultimately propel the Lakers to victory. On the CCHL side, these players are all uncommitted to NCAA schools and have just as much to prove to Gosek as the Lakers players do. With all players on both teams having motivation to perform tonight, it should be a close final score.

Prediction: 4-3 Oswego State.