SAULT STE. MARIE —Lake Superior State University Athletics has announced its hockey team will take part in the 2nd Superior Ice Showdown on January 23, 2026.
The Lakers will face off against the University of St Thomas at the GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.
Laker head coach Damon Whitten said, “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 said, “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.”
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario said, “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 the perfect chance to pack the stands in your blue and gold.”
“The Twin Saults have always shared a close, unique relationship through the sport,” said Lake Superior State Athletics Director Tory Lindley. “We want to celebrate that history and the future of our communities. We thank the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the talented GFL Memorial Gardens staff and the Soo Greyhounds for helping to bring Laker Hockey across the St. Mary’s River.”
CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia said, “I am excited to have Lake Superior State showcase their program and the CCHA across the border into Canada. The CCHA has numerous student-athletes from Canada on our rosters and aims to continue to expose their fans and recruits to the terrific level of play in the CCHA.”
Tickets for the game go on sale on October 10th and can be purchased here.
Doors will open at 6:00 PM on game day, with the puck dropping at 7:07 PM.
