After a slow start, the Lakers of Mercyhurst worked to earn a 5-4 win over number 17 ranked Ohio State on the road. Head Coach Rick Gotkin did note that the team did not have a morning skate today, and that while he is proud of this group he wants to see more reform them going forward.If the Lakers can get more good non conference fortunes then their postseason outlook improved even more

Mercyhurst did this while still missing two key players Carson Briere and Dante Sheriff. Gotkin wants to get Briere back in as early as tomorrow, but he’s unsure on timing as he wants all of his players to come back at full strength. “With that said we also need them to play a little bit.. it’s kind of a double edged sword.

Moving forward Gotkin understands what neeeds “ We know the formula to winning games against nationally ranked teams.” Good goaltending., staying out of the box and capitalizing on opportunities are all needs to win again tomorrow night. He praised netminder Hank Jo play, saying “Hank Johnson is such a calm, even tempered young man and he’s also a very good goaltender on top of it.” That demeanor helps Gotkin’s team push forward for goals. “ Our teams have always been built on skilled guys.”

Gotkin was impressed with how well his team despite going on defense throughout the third periodbm“ We really knew that Ohio State wasnt going to go away quietly… as tough as it was to give up those goals it was good to get it done.” Somehow Mercyhurst has scored ten goals in two games, without a lot of their key scorers in the lineup.

Gotkin said “it’s still early in the year but we’re moving in the right direction.”

“When you go up against nationally ranked teams ( and get the win) its a really good thing.” “This group was very happy after the game but the bus ride to the hotel was pretty subdued, they expect to win. It’s very satisfying to win but we are not satisfied.”