Hockey sweeps Northland College

Kyle Dallman

It wasn’t yet time to panic. Lawrence had dropped two season-opening home games and allowed 10 goals while mustering half their opponent’s efforts.
So leave it to a tough double header on the road to get their groove back?
Lawrence proved just that on Saturday in two triumphs over Northland College and a slew of player awards. Game 1 began with an offensive showing manifested in scoring opportunities and shots.
Lawrence forced 15 potential goals on net in the first period en route to lighting the lamp twice on beauties from team scoring leader Joe Searl and newcomer Masa Takahashi.
Joe Searl added another power play goal in the second on one of Lawrence’s 44 shots – more than double Northland’s total, and Lawrence got the win 3-2.
Riding some serious momentum, Lawrence took their first victory and added a total trouncing in Game 2 of the doubleheader.
The Vikings recorded a season high in goals and notched their first shutout all at once. The chicken scratches came from sophomore Nick Jennette, senior Evan Thornton and senior David Olynk.
On the other side of the ice Lawrence defenders leaked just 11 shots – a Lawrence record – and goalie Andrew Isaac saved all 11 recording his third shutout.
The senior now holds the Lawrence record for shutouts after Saturday’s goose egg.
Coach Szkodzinski commented on the extreme swing of the pendulum, “Our defensive play was solid all the way around – and it didn’t just happen in the defensive zone. Our defensive play was strong because we stuck to our system and didn’t deviate . The guys are starting to buy in and the results show what can happen if they will stick to it.”
Lawrence next travels to Minnestoa-Crookston for a doubleheader this coming weekend.