Lake Superior announces NHL deal for Czuczman, release of head coach

By Michael Caples –

It was a busy Tuesday for the Lake Superior State Lakers, who had two major announcements to make upon the conclusion of their 2013-14 season.

The Lakers announced that standout defenseman Kevin Czuczman will be forgoing his senior season to sign a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders.

Czuczman, a native of Port Elgin, Ont., led all WCHA defensemen in goals scored, and was sixth in points scored by a defensemen. He is currently second in the nation in goals from a blue-liner.

Later on in the evening, the program announced that they would not be retaining coach Jim Roque, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Roque, who had just completed his ninth season as head coach of LSSU, held a lifetime record of 136-164-46.

“I appreciate how much Jim Roque loves Laker Hockey and we thank him for what he has devoted to our program,” athletic director Kris Dunbar said in a release. “I wish him the best, but at this time we are choosing to move in a different direction with our leadership.”