Laker Hockey: A Tradition of Excellence
From the first puck drop in 1966 to the present day, Laker Hockey has been a source of immense pride for the entire LSSU community. For those who packed the Pullar back in the day, experienced the thrill of five national championships, and still feel the rush when the horn sounds with every Laker goal, we celebrate 60 years of Laker Hockey and the student-athletes who proudly wore the Anchor.
We are proud to announce the launch of the Laker Hockey Challenge, a university-wide effort to match a transformative anonymous gift of $1.5 million in celebration of 60 years of Laker Hockey. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have already reached $1.3 million toward this goal. Every contribution—whether through the Laker Club, meal sponsorships, estate planning, or blended gifts—will help us meet this challenge and strengthen the future of Laker Hockey.
Laker Hockey has a proud and storied history at Lake Superior State University, beginning with its inaugural season in 1966 under legendary coach Ron Mason. Competing in the NAIA, the team quickly found success, capturing national championships in 1972 and 1974. The 1973–74 season marked the end of the program’s NAIA era as the Lakers transitioned to NCAA competition, joining the CCHA.
The Lakers cemented their place in college hockey history with three NCAA National Championships in 1988, 1992, and 1994, solidifying their legacy as one of the sport’s elite programs. That legacy lives on today, fueled by a passionate network of alumni who once proudly wore the Laker Anchor. Their enduring brotherhood and commitment to tradition continue to shape and support the program.
In 2025, Laker Hockey received the anonymous $1.5 million annual commitment that made this challenge possible. Together, we honor the past and invest in the future of Laker Hockey.
Laker Hockey Fundraising
Laker Hockey has a proud tradition on and off the ice for nearly 60 years. To this day, LSSU is the smallest public university to compete in NCAA Division I Hockey. Therefore, it is just as challenging competing on the ice as it is off the ice for recruits, funding and program enhancements. Laker Hockey Fundraising is an “umbrella” fund providing the opportunity for alumni and friends to make an ongoing difference in our program.
The Current Challenge
After a game-changing $1,500,000 annual commitment in 2025, we have a one-time opportunity to match the full amount through December 2026. Thanks to our supporters, $1,300,000 has already been raised. Every gift counts—cash, estate, or blended—and cash pledges can be spread over five years. For example, a $5,000 pledge can be given as $1,000 per year and still count in full toward the challenge.
A special thank-you to Legendary Coach Jeff Jackson and the following alumni and friends, who are among those who have already helped us raise over $1,100,000 toward the challenge:
- Dr. Robert Arbuckle
- Bob Benson
- Bob Ciotti ’81
- Chuck Collini ’79
- Steve Davies ’77
- Bud Denker ’80
- Colleen Erva
- Rod Hooktwith ’76
- Terry Hossack ’88
- Vincent Faucher ’92
- Pat Kleppert ’94
- Doug Laprade ’88
- Gary “Garth” Machacek ’77
- The McClellan Family
- Matt Pegouskie ’05
- Ian Ward ’76
- Christopher Weinreis
This total includes both estate gifts and cash commitments to the program.
The Opportunities
Here are ways to structure your generosity:
One-Time, Monthly, or an Annual Gift
- Submit a One-Time Online Donation
- Make a one-time donation.
- Setup a Monthly Automatic Online Donation
- Donation amount is automatically renewed, monthly, using PayPal.
- Setup an Annual Automatic Online Donation
- Donation amount is automatically renewed, annually, using PayPal.
Estate Gift
Whether through life insurance, a specific bequest, or a percentage of your estate, you can make a lasting impact on Laker Athletics for generations to come. Visit our estate planning to explore the many planned giving opportunities, or contact Sr. Director of Advancement Andrew Rubinstein at (906) 635-6219 or [email protected]. Please note that 100% of the value of your estate gift will be counted toward the challenge.
Blended Gift
Interested in making an immediate impact while also including LSSU in your estate plans? Connect with Sr. Director of Advancement Andrew Rubinstein at (906) 635-6219 or [email protected] to explore the opportunities available.
“When you have the support of your school and community, you strive to do and be your best on and off the ice so you can share the success of being a Laker. This brings the spirit together and all that school history and Laker pride it represents.”
