MANKATO – Ashton Calder scored three goals, including shorthanded and empty-net tallies in the third period, as Lake Superior State defeated Northern Michigan 6-3 in the WCHA tournament championship game on Saturday night. With the victory, the Lakers earned the WCHA's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Lake Superior State wins WCHA title
Dustin Manz and Jacob Nordqvist each had a goal and an assist and Marek Mitens made 25 saves for the Lakers (19-6-3), who led 2-0 after one period and 4-0 after two.
David Keefer's goal with 4 minutes, 8 seconds left in the third period pulled Northern Michigan within 5-3, but Lake Superior State added an empty-net goal with 2:36 to play.
Andre Ghantous and A.J. Vanderbeck also scored, and Rico DeMatteo made 24 saves for the Wildcats (11-17-1).
Saturday's game might have marked the final installment of the WCHA men's tournament. Seven teams are leaving the conference for the new CCHA, which starts play in the 2021-22 season.
RANDY JOHNSON
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Two offensive linemen from Lakeville, Bryce Benhart and Riley Mahlman, are standouts for Big Ten rivals of Minnesota.