The Lake Superior State University Lakers compete in NCAA Division I’s Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). A three-time national champion program, hockey at Lake Superior State dates back to 1966. The Lakers last appeared in college hockey’s postseason during the 2021 campaign, when the team stamped their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a CCHA Tournament championship.
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Lake Superior State is in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The Lakers play their home games at Taffy Abel Arena, a 4,000-seat venue named for a hometown hero and former NHLer who appeared in 333 games for the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks between 1926 and 1934. Abel was part of the 1924 United States team that captured a silver medal at the Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix, France.
A program with a reputation for producing professional caliber players, the Lake Superior State men’s hockey team has been led by head coach Damon Whitten since 2014. Whitten’s coaching staff includes two longtime NHL players, Mike York and Dwayne Roloson. York, a former left-winger, appeared in 579 NHL games for parts of 11 seasons. A goaltender for parts of 14 seasons, Roloson posted 227 career victories.
Between 1974 and 2012, 10 former Lakers appeared in over 100 NHL games; their careers are highlighted by Stanley Cup Championships, Olympic medals, and many individual awards and honors.
Brian Rolston
Brian Rolston appeared in 1,256 NHL games between 1994 and 2012, recording an impressive 761 points (342 goals and 419 assists) for five teams. The center won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1995. That season, he had 18 points (seven goals and 11 assists) in 40 appearances. Rolston also found success in international competition, winning a silver medal with the United States at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. During the 2007-08 campaign, he wore the “C” for the Minnesota Wild, collecting 59 points in 81 games.
During his time with Lake Superior State, Rolston appeared in 82 games over two seasons. Between 1991 and 1993, the Michigan native scored 53 goals and 64 assists. Rolston captured an NCAA Tournament championship with the Lakers in 1992 and was a member of the runner-up squad, falling to Maine in the NCAA Final in 1993.
Doug Weight
One of Lake Superior State’s most notable alumni is former NHL star Doug Weight. An offensive standout with the Lakers, the forward had 144 points in…
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