APPLETON, Wis. - While much improved, the Finlandia hockey team is not talented enough yet to overcome mistakes. And the Lions made a big one Friday night against Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association divisional opponent Lawrence.
FU blew a 3-2 lead in the second period thanks to a five-minute major "contact to the head" penalty taken by junior defenseman Kevin Smith. The Lions conceded two goals within 30 seconds of the power play commencing, and then another two scores in the third period to fall 6-3.
Finlandia initally held a lead in the first period, when freshman Shigenobu Kakudate tallied an unassisted goal less then one minute into the game.
They then took a 3-2 lead midway through the second period thanks to scores from Cody Essel and Collin Saint-Onge's eighth of the season before Smith's penalty undermined the whole process.
The Lions were outshot 48-22.