Lake Superior State University Athletics (LSSU), in partnership with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is excited to share that LSSU’s NCAA Division I men’s hockey team will host the 2nd Superior Ice Showdown on January 23, 2026. This year’s matchup features a Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) regular season game against the University of St. Thomas Tommies at the GFL Memorial Gardens. LSSU is thrilled to bring NCAA Hockey to its sister city of Sault Ontario for an international celebration of hockey.
Laker head coach Damon Whitten stated, “We’re excited for the opportunity to bring a Laker Hockey game across the river to GFL Memorial Gardens. The Twin Saults share such a unique connection, and we’re proud to be part of that. We have a lot of passionate alumni in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and it’s special for them to see Laker Hockey in their home community. With two players on our roster from Sault, Ontario, it makes the event even more special. To showcase college hockey in Ontario is a unique experience, and we’re thrilled to share it with our fans on both sides of the border.”
Lake Superior State University President Dr. David Travis remarked, “It is appropriate that our next Superior Ice Showdown take place in our sister city, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This continues a legacy of the two Saults working together to support each other. We are very appreciative of the GFL Memorial Gardens and the Soo Greyhounds for allowing us to use their facility for this important event that highlights the longstanding partnership between our two cities.”
“It’s so exciting to see the Superior Ice Showdown in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,” said Sault Ste. Marie, MI Mayor Don Gerrie. “The City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has valued the close relationship with our sister city immensely. Our shared hockey culture continues to bond these great communities, and seeing Laker Hockey at GFL Memorial Gardens will be an incredible night for everyone.”
The Lakers currently have two players from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on their roster: Adam Barone, a defenseman entering his second season with the Lakers; and first-year player Calem Mangone who also hails from Sault Ste. Marie. The Lakers feature 11 Canadian players from Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia and have a strong tradition of recruiting top Canadian talent. Julio Francella, an inductee into the Sault Ste. Marie Hockey Hall of Fame who played for the Lakers from 1971-1975 remains one of their finest athletes.
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario mentioned, “Sault Ste. Marie has a storied history as a hockey community and we are pleased to host the LSSU Lakers for an exciting showcase of cross-border hockey that brings the Twin Saults together. With so many proud LSSU alumni here in Sault Ste. Marie this is perfect chance to pack the stands in your blue and gold.”
“The Twin Saults have always shared a close relationship through sport,” said Lake Superior State Athletics Director Tory Lindley. “We want to celebrate that history and future potential within our communities. We thank all involved including City officials , talented GFL Memorial Gardens staff , as well as Soo Greyhounds for helping us bring Laker Hockey across St Mary’s River.”
CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia expressed his enthusiasm saying , “I am excited to have Lake Superior State showcase their program along with CCHA across border into Canada. CCHA has numerous student-athletes from Canada participating within our rosters while aiming towards exposing fans & recruits alike towards terrific level play witnessed throughout CCHA”.
The Lakers are entering their 59th season under head coach Damon Whitten leading them through rich collegiate traditions established previously. They’ve won five National Championships , qualified eleven times during NCAA Tournaments & produced eighteen All-Americans. Thirty-seven former Laker players made it onto NHL teams ! Legendary coaches include U. S. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Ron Mason amongst others like Rick Comley , Frank Anzalone plus Jeff Jackson ; Whitten begins his twelfth season coaching behind bench now.
Doors open at 6:00 PM with puck drop set for 7:07 PM.
Tickets go on sale October 10th available through GFL Memorial Gardens Box Office or online via https://gflgardens. ca/LSSU.
Source link
Source link
