Lake Forest College Sports Information
November 9, 2002
Contact: Mike Wajerski, SID

Comeback Bid Falls Short Against UW-Stevens Point
Fritz's night not spoiled by loss
  

Tony Fritz has won 274 games in his 25 years at Lake Forest.
LAKE FOREST, IL - The Lake Forest College men's hockey team was defeated by UW-Stevens Point Saturday (November 9) night by a score of 5-3. Following the game, both teams possessed 2-2-0 records, both over and in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.

It was a fast-paced first period, as Lake Forest out-shot the Pointers 15-12. The visitors scored first at the 15:09 mark on Justin Micek's power play goal. The Foresters tied the score with just 25 seconds remaining in the period on senior forward Matt Bruni's (Unionville, Ontario/Aurora Tigers) first goal of the season. Fellow senior forward David Evans (Calgary, Alberta/Calgary Royals) and junior defenseman Rob Bilcox (Calgary, Alberta/Bow Valley Eagles) recorded the assists.

Stevens Point out-shot Lake Forest 11-9 in the second period, and took the lead at the 5:44 mark on a goal by Mike Brolsma. The Foresters again came back to tie the score as Bilcox converted on a power play opportunity, his first goal of the year.

Craig Busse scored a power play goal for Stevens Point early in the third period and Micek got his second of the game at the 12:12 mark to put the Pointers ahead 4-2. Lake Forest freshman forward Tyler Steen (Calgary, Alberta/Calgary Royals) scored the first goal of his collegiate career at the 12:41 mark to pull the team back to within one. Sophomore forward Robin Charest (Cabano, Quebec/Coaticooh Jr. A) and junior defenseman Brad Saint (Brantford, Ontario/Brantford Golden Eagles) were each credited with an assist.

That was as close as Lake Forest would get, however, and an empty net goal by the Pointers' Ryan Kirchhoff closed out the scoring.

On a positive note, a number of Forester alumni were on hand for a pre-game reception to celebrate head coach Tony Fritz's 25th year at the helm of the hockey program. Fritz was also honored on the ice between the first and second periods and presented with items commemorating his first 25 years at the college. Fans in attendance also received a poster with team pictures from each season since Fritz began in 1978.

After two weekend series against NCHA schools, the Foresters will play host to Gustavus Adolphus College Friday (November 15) night at 7:30 and St. Olaf College Saturday (November 16) afternoon at 2:00. Both teams compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Box Score