**2020–21 Lake Superior State Lakers Men’s Ice Hockey Season**
**Definition:**
The 2020–21 Lake Superior State Lakers men’s ice hockey season was the 55th season of play for the program and the 8th season competing in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). The Lakers represented Lake Superior State University and were coached by Damon Whitten in his seventh year at the helm.
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## 2020–21 Lake Superior State Lakers Men’s Ice Hockey Season
The 2020–21 season for the Lake Superior State Lakers men’s ice hockey team was marked by challenges and adjustments amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Lakers competed in the NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey season as members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). Under the leadership of head coach Damon Whitten, the team sought to improve upon previous seasons and contend within a competitive conference.
### Background
Lake Superior State University, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has a storied ice hockey tradition, including three NCAA national championships in the early 1990s. The Lakers have been a member of the WCHA since 2013, following the realignment of college hockey conferences. The 2020–21 season was the program’s 55th overall and the eighth in the WCHA.
The season was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to scheduling, limited fan attendance, and necessitated health protocols. Many teams faced cancellations and postponements, and the Lakers were no exception.
### Coaching Staff
The Lakers were led by head coach Damon Whitten, who was in his seventh season with the program. Whitten, a former player and assistant coach at Lake Superior State, aimed to build a competitive team through recruiting and player development. The coaching staff also included assistant coaches and support personnel focused on player conditioning, strategy, and game preparation.
### Team Roster
The 2020–21 roster featured a mix of returning players and new recruits. The team included forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders from various regions, with a focus on developing young talent alongside experienced upperclassmen. The roster composition was influenced by recruiting efforts and player retention despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic.
### Season Overview
#### Schedule and Format
The 2020–21 college hockey season was unique due to the pandemic. The WCHA adjusted its schedule to reduce travel and potential exposure to the virus. The Lakers played a condensed schedule primarily against conference opponents, with some games postponed or canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.
The season began later than usual, with the first games taking place in late November 2020. The Lakers played a total of approximately 28 games, including regular-season matchups and the WCHA postseason tournament.
#### Regular Season Performance
Lake Superior State struggled to find consistent success during the regular season. The team faced stiff competition within the WCHA, which included strong programs such as Bemidji State, Minnesota State, and Northern Michigan.
The Lakers’ offense showed flashes of potential but often struggled to produce consistent scoring. Defensively, the team worked to limit opponents’ opportunities but faced challenges in maintaining leads and closing out games. Goaltending duties were shared among the team’s netminders, with varying performances throughout the season.
Despite the difficulties, the Lakers recorded several notable victories, including wins against ranked opponents and close contests that demonstrated the team’s resilience.
#### Statistical Leaders
Offensively, the team’s leading scorers contributed both goals and assists, providing the bulk of the Lakers’ offensive output. The defensemen contributed to both defensive responsibilities and offensive support, including power-play opportunities.
Goaltenders posted varying save percentages and goals-against averages, reflecting the team’s overall defensive performance and the quality of opposition faced.
### Postseason
The WCHA postseason tournament was held in a modified format due to the pandemic. The Lakers entered the tournament with hopes of making a deep run and potentially qualifying for the NCAA tournament.
Lake Superior State faced a challenging matchup in the opening round of the WCHA tournament. Despite a competitive effort, the Lakers were eliminated early, ending their season without an NCAA tournament appearance.
### Impact of COVID-19
The 2020–21 season was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lakers, like many teams, dealt with schedule disruptions, limited practice time, and health protocols that affected team cohesion and preparation.
Fan attendance was restricted or prohibited at home games, impacting the atmosphere at the Taffy Abel Arena, the Lakers’ home venue. The team and coaching staff adapted to these challenges, emphasizing player safety and mental health throughout the season.
### Player Development and Future Outlook
Despite the challenges, the season provided valuable experience for younger players and opportunities for development. The coaching staff focused on building a foundation for future success by emphasizing skill development, conditioning, and team chemistry.
Recruiting efforts continued with an eye toward strengthening the roster for subsequent seasons. The Lakers aimed to return to competitiveness within the WCHA and contend for postseason success in the coming years.
### Season Summary
The 2020–21 Lake Superior State Lakers men’s ice hockey season was a difficult campaign marked by external challenges and on-ice struggles. The team showed moments of promise but ultimately fell short of postseason aspirations. The experience gained during this unusual season was expected to contribute to the program’s growth and future competitiveness.
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## Team Roster (Selected Players)
– **Goaltenders:** Key netminders shared starting duties, with varying performances.
– **Defensemen:** A mix of veteran and young players contributed to defensive efforts and offensive support.
– **Forwards:** The offensive core included leading scorers and role players who provided depth.
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## Season Statistics (Summary)
– **Overall Record:** The Lakers finished with a losing record, reflecting the competitive nature of the WCHA.
– **Conference Record:** The team struggled within the conference, facing strong opponents.
– **Scoring Leaders:** Top forwards led the team in points.
– **Goaltending:** Save percentages and goals-against averages varied among goaltenders.
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## Conclusion
The 2020–21 season for the Lake Superior State Lakers men’s ice hockey team was a testament to perseverance amid unprecedented circumstances. While the team faced numerous obstacles, including the global pandemic and competitive challenges within the WCHA, the season laid groundwork for future improvement. Under the guidance of coach Damon Whitten, the Lakers aimed to build on the lessons learned and return to prominence in college hockey.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2020–21 Lake Superior State Lakers men’s ice hockey season was marked by challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the team competing in the WCHA under coach Damon Whitten. Despite struggles, the season provided valuable experience for future growth.