Despite Diminishing Roster, Men’s Hockey Remains Optimistic

Alex Weck

As of late, the LU men’s hockey team has been retaining active players about as well as Milli Vanilli retained its Grammys. A rash of displacements from their original roster due to injury, departure from Lawrence, and personal reasons has forced Coach Dave Ruhly to make some interesting lineup decisions. Having lost their two top scorers from last year as well as keystone defenders, the team looks to its freshmen to increase participation.Despite the aforementioned hardships, the team maintains a positive and competitive mentality. At the current midpoint of the conference season, the Vikings stand at a conference record of 2-6, good enough for a share of 4th in the conference.

The highlight of the season thus far has been the goaltending of freshman Andrew Isaac. Isaac leads the MCHA in save percentage at a .936 mark. Even more astonishing were Isaac’s 35 saves in a 1-0 shutout of Marian College in December. Isaac is the first LU goalie in history to shut out the perennial conference power.

The Vikes still have the potential to shake things up in the conference. A home and away series with Marian this weekend will provide an opportunity to turn the corner towards the postseason. The Vikings and the Sabres face off at 7:30 Saturday at the Appleton Family Ice Center.