Plymouth, MI, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Lake Superior State University hockey team celebrated a successful weekend with wins against Simon Fraser Red Leafs and the US Under-18 team. Branden Piku starred with key performances, scoring goals while freshman William Ahlrik also made notable contributions. As the team looks ahead to the Great Lake State Weekend, fans are excited for upcoming events and the alumni return.
Plymouth, MI – The Lake Superior State University (LSSU) hockey team celebrated a triumphant weekend with back-to-back victories, defeating Simon Fraser Red Leafs 3-2 and the US Under-18 team 6-2. These wins set a positive tone as the team prepares for the upcoming Great Lake State Weekend at Taffy Abel Arena next weekend.
Branden Piku, a junior forward from Harrison Township, MI, emerged as a standout player, scoring two goals in the match against Simon Fraser. The game’s opening period ended without any goals, but Lucas Ceccarelli of Simon Fraser scored the initial goal in the second period at 10:41. Piku quickly responded, bringing the game back to even with a shot from the high slot, assisted by John Herrington. With this performance, Piku reached a career total of 19 goals and aims to secure double digits during his junior season.
Piku’s contributions were highlighted earlier in the weekend when he recorded five points against Lindenwood. In the final moments of the game against Simon Fraser, he sealed the victory by scoring an empty-net goal at the 19:00 mark of the third period after a long pursuit of the puck. The game featured a total of 20 penalties called, highlighting the intensity of the competition. A collision with a Red Leafs defender resulted in Piku being sent into the wall, which contributed to the flurry of penalties.
Alongside Piku, freshman William Ahlrik made a significant impact by scoring LSSU’s second goal. Ahlrik, known for his strong performance in faceoffs, has tallied four assists in the first four games of the season. His gameplay has earned him recognition, and he has been acknowledged for his detail-oriented and dependable approach on the ice.
Head Coach Damon Whitten remarked on the growth and learning the Lakers experienced over the weekend, emphasizing the team dynamics and the performances of individual players. With the upcoming Great Lake State Weekend, fans can look forward to alumni returns, Hall of Fame ceremonies, and the Lakers’ first Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) league games.
Tickets are available for LSSU’s upcoming games against Bowling Green, scheduled for Friday at 7:07 PM and Saturday at 6:07 PM. Also, the LSSU hockey team is set to participate in the 2nd Superior Ice Showdown against the University of St. Thomas on January 23, 2026, strengthening ties with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where the event will occur. Officials from both Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Ontario expressed excitement about this hockey showcase’s community significance. Additionally, CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia has endorsed the event’s purpose of promoting the CCHA and its Canadian student-athletes.
Upcoming Events
- Great Lake State Weekend
- Tickets for LSSU vs. Bowling Green
- 2nd Superior Ice Showdown against University of St. Thomas
Player Highlights
- Branden Piku: 19 career goals; 2 goals vs. Simon Fraser
- William Ahlrik: 4 assists in 4 games; focus on consistent face-off performance
Game Summary
- Status: LSSU defeats Simon Fraser 3-2
- First period: No goals scored
- Second period: Ceccarelli scores for Simon Fraser, Piku equalizes
- Third period: Piku closes game with an empty-net goal
- Total penalties: 20
FAQ
What was the result of the game against Simon Fraser Red Leafs?
Lake Superior State University won 3-2 against Simon Fraser Red Leafs.
Who scored goals for LSSU in the game against Simon Fraser?
Branden Piku scored two goals, and William Ahlrik scored one goal for LSSU.
When is the next game for LSSU?
LSSU’s next game is against Bowling Green, scheduled for Friday at 7:07 PM and Saturday at 6:07 PM.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wins | LSSU had back-to-back victories against Simon Fraser and US Under-18. |
| Key Players | Branden Piku and William Ahlrik made significant contributions. |
| Upcoming Events | Great Lake State Weekend featuring multiple activities. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Michigan State Claims Victory Over Penn State 6-4
Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Lake Superior State Hockey Resources Postseason
- Wikipedia: Lake Superior State University
- Lindenwood Lions: Men’s Hockey Picks Up Win
- Google Search: Lake Superior State University hockey
- Stonehill Skyhawks: Men’s Hockey Falls Against LSSU
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
