APPLETON, Wis. -- The Lawrence University hockey team opened its season Wednesday with a 3-0 shutout of the Soo Thunderbirds in an exhibtion game at the Appleton Family Ice Center.
Evan Johnson and Jim Ryan combined to make 30 saves for the shutout of the Thunderbirds, who play junior A hockey in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Nick Jennette put Lawrence up 1-0 just 1:19 into the second period when he scored off assists from Mike Ackley and Marc Howe while both teams were down a skater. The Vikings made it 2-0 at the 6:49 mark when freshman Scott Minarcik scored off assists from Matt Jacobs and Josh Peterson.
Neil Wallace scored the lone goal of the third period with an unassisted tally at 12:43.
Lawrence opens regular-season play when it travels to St. Norbert College on Oct. 30.