Defense fails Dutchmen in loss to LSSU (w/ videos)

by Ryan Fay

Union has prided itself on playing strong defensive hockey in recent years.

The Dutchmen have ranked in the top 10 in Division I team defense in each of the past three years, so Friday's 6-5 non-conference overtime setback to Lake Superior State was something of a surprise.

"We thought we were going to have a hard time scoring goals," said Lake Superior State head coach Jim Roque.

But the Lakers (3-0-0) netted a season-best six goals, marking the most #15/16 Union has allowed in a single game at home since giving up six against Sacred Heart in October 2009.

On Friday, the Dutchmen (1-1-1) held leads of 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3 but uncharacteristically coughed them up each time. 

“It’s a lack of discipline on our part,” said Dutchmen defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. “The D-corps wasn’t really there. It’s definitely our fault. It’s a two-game series, so we’ll get back at it again [tonight].”

The junior blueliner said the Dutchmen have some adjustments to make ahead of Saturday's 7:00 p.m rematch with the Lakers.

"We definitely have to work on our one-on-ones," he said. "They were definitely smoking us the whole game. They were burning us like crazy. We need to box out their bigger [players]. We need to pick up sticks. We need to wake up here.”

Added Union head coach Rick Bennett, "It is a team game. I thought our forwards need to do a better job of coming back and helping out our goaltender, plus our ‘D."

Postgame videos from Friday - 

LSSU's Stephen Perfetto (GWG in overtime) and head coach Jim Roque

 

Union head coach Rick Bennett


Union defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere