The Lindenwood men's hockey team (5-15-0) returns to the ice this weekend, taking on LIU (6-15-1) in a two-game set from East Meadow, N.Y. Game one on Friday is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT, while the series finale on Saturday will begin at 7:00 p.m. CT.
 
In their last series, the Lions dropped a pair of close games to North Dakota by scores of 4-3 and 4-2, respectively. Lindenwood got off to a quick start in the series, netting the first two goals of the game in both contests, which helped the Lions hold the lead after 20 minutes of play a couple weeks ago. Lindenwood has held a lead at one point during 10 games this season.
 
Caige Sterzer found the back of the net in both games against North Dakota with both scores coming in the first period. The sophomore forward has recorded points in three out of the last four games. The native of Kimberly, British Columbia has compiled three goals and two assists so far this season.
 
After four-consecutive games without a point, David Gagnon has registered five in his last three games, including three against the Fighting Hawks. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native is tied for the team lead in goals (9), while pacing the team in assists (12) and points (21).
 
Trent Burnham earned back-to-back starts in a series for just the second time this season. The native of Eagle River, Alaska has put together a strong year between the pipes, earning four of Lindenwood's five wins, while stopping 30 or more shots in every game he has appeared in. The sophomore netminder is tops on the team in saves (438), save percentage (.911) and goals against average (3.94).
 
LIU, like Lindenwood is a NCAA Division I independent. The Sharks enter the weekend with a 6-15-1 record, including a 4-7-0 mark on home ice. In its most recent game, LIU fell to top-ranked Quinnipiac by a score of 5-2.