Oswego State plays its second consecutive game in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as the Lakers take on the Wilkes University Colonels. The Lakers had no trouble last night, winning a 10-1 game against King’s College.

The freshmen did not seem nervous at all for Oswego State, accounting for a large chunk of its goals. Freshman Annika Neufeld-Kreider connected on the first regular season goal for Oswego State, followed by fellow freshmen Avery Webster and Sara Cruise netting their first collegiate regular season goals to add to the Oswego State domination. Cruise’s goal was a buzzer beater on the power play with 1.1 seconds remaining in the second period. Webster added a second goal in the third period and had two assists for an impressive four-point debut.

But the star for the Lakers on Saturday night was not a freshman. It was junior Eryn Stewart. The Lakers’ forward had a hat trick and two assists for a team-high five points. Stewart had two goals all of last season and was known more for her defense, leading the team with 13 blocks. Stewart’s three goals last night surpassed her total for last year.

Wilkes University presents an interesting storyline. The Colonels were set to begin their first season in women’s ice hockey last year, but it was postponed due to a lack of players. This season, the Colonels only have nine players on their roster. Eight of the nine are freshmen, and two players are goalies. The Colonels only have one defensive pairing and five forwards.

In their first ever game, the Colonels took on King’s College, a team Oswego State defeated 10-1. Wilkes University lost 3-1, but had its chances. The Colonels went on the power play an eye-popping 10 times but were unable to come up with a single power play goal. The Lakers will present Wilkes with a much bigger challenge.

By the Numbers

Record

OSW: 1-0-0

WU: 0-1-0

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 10 (10.0)

WIL: 1 (1.0)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 67 (67.0)

WIL: 26 (26.0)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 1-5 (20%)

WIL: 0-10 (0%)

Keys to the Game:

Oswego State

If there was one thing to work on for Oswego State was their inability to capitalize on the power play. The Lakers only went 1-5 on Oct. 26 against King’s College. Although the Lakers were still able to net eight goals at even strength and one short-handed, the power play unit is something that will need to come together as the season progresses. Wilkes University committed five penalties in its first game this season, so the Lakers should have ample opportunities this afternoon.

Wilkes University

The Colonels have almost the exact same problem as the Lakers. The power play unit went 0-10 on Friday night, and this will factor once again into tonight’s game. Oswego State has struggled with penalties this season, committing nine penalties through its exhibition game and first regular season game. The only way Wilkes University can keep this game close is by converting against a very solid Lakers penalty kill.

Players to Watch:

Oswego State: Avery Webster

Webster has been a huge reason for the Lakers early season success. The freshman had two goals and two assists en route to a four-point debut. She also sniped home the game-winning goal for Oswego State in their scrimmage against the London Jr. Devilettes. It could be another big game for the young Laker this afternoon.

Wilkes University: Alexa Rango/Ally Joly

The Colonels two freshmen goalies saw even playing time on Friday, and they are sure to see big-time action against Oswego State. The Lakers peppered 67 shots last night, and the onslaught should continue today. Ten of those shots found the back of the net. Joly allowed one goal on eight shots, while Rango saw 19 and let in two. The goalies will have to be on their toes against an explosive Lakers offense.

Final Thoughts

Wilkes is a first-year program with only 9 rostered players. Oswego State runs deep, and their depth will be a big difference this afternoon. There’s a good chance for another double-digit outpouring from the Lakers offense.

Once again, goaltending for Oswego State must be mentioned. Freshman Cassie Shokar played all three periods for the Lakers last night. She stopped 9 of 10 shots for a .900 save percentage. Last weekend, all four goalies saw playing time, with Shokar only getting the last 10 minutes of the third period in net. Today will present another look at head coach Diane Dillon’s plan for goaltending.

This afternoon’s game presents one final tune-up for the Lakers before heading into NEWHL play in two weeks against Buffalo State. With another blowout likely on the way, there should be plenty of playing time for the Lakers young core.

Photo: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian