Point Guard Clinic at Finlandia Rescheduled!!! - April 21, 2008

The Point Guard Clinc originally scheduled for April 12th has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 1st from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please contact Curtis Wittenberg at 906-487-7214.

Kudos for Finlandia Soccer Players - April 14, 2008

HANCOCK – Matt Griffith, Finlandia University fourth-year head soccer coach, is pleased to announce spring university athletic awards for the men’s and women’s teams. For their hard work and dedication, the student-athletes received awards for Most Valuable Player, Lion Award, Most Improved Player, and Academic Award.

The women’s soccer team MVP award went to Jessica Jones, a sophomore from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Lion Award, granted to a student-athlete who “gave their all” this season, was earned by sophomore Molly Raab from Antigo, Wisc. The Most Improved Player award is shared by Ashley Leitch, a senior from Garden City, Mich., and sophomore Salome Mnzava from Tanzania. The Academic Award winner is sophomore Robin Murphy of Howell, Mich., with a GPA of 3.69.

“We had a great year and all of the women worked hard throughout the season,” Griffith said. “This is a talented group of women that never stop to surprise me.”

The Finlandia men’s soccer team MVP award was earned by sophomore Markus Halme from Finland. The Lion Award is shared by Shawn Wickersheim, a senior from White Lake, Wisc., and junior Andrew Kirt of Gaylord, Mich. The Most Improved Award was earned by freshman Andrew Blake of Chassell, Mich. And, winning his second Academic Award this year was Andrew Kirt of Gaylord, Mich., with a GPA of 3.96.

“Each and every one of the athletes gave everything they had out on the field this year,” Griffith said. “The men had their best season in Finlandia history to date. I am proud of every single one of them.”

Finlandia’s Tincknell Receives Independents Honors - March 13, 2008

HANCOCK – Finlandia University sophomore Ally Tincknell (Negaunee, Mich.) has been named to the Association of Division III Independents Third Team for women's basketball.

“Ally had a great season, averaging 15.4 points per game (52.5% from the floor), 10.2 rebounds per game and 1.3 assists per game,” said Curtis Wittenberg, head women’s basketball coach.

“She was consistent night in and night out. She was always under-sized but was still able to put up a double-double (double figures in points and rebounds) almost every night. This is a great honor for Ally and I look forward to challenging her to improve on this next year.”

The All-Independent Women’s Basketball teams were selected by the women’s basketball coaches from member schools of the Association of Division III Independents

Lions Named to MCHA All-Tournament Team - March 5, 2008

HANCOCK – Three Finlandia University student-athletes were named to the Midwest College Hockey Association (MCHA) All-Tournament Team following the Harris Cup championship game March 1 at the Kern Center in Milwaukee.

Freshman goalie Ryan Donovan (Pinckney, Mich) was named the Harris Cup Tournament MVP. Junior forward Ryan Sullivan (Marquette, Mich.) and sophomore defenseman Tiger Marcotte (L’Anse, Mich.), were also among the seven players named to the 2008 MCHA All-Tournament team.

“All 3 players had a great weekend,” said Joe Burcar, head men’s ice hockey coach. “Sullivan had two assists in the 4-2 semi-finals win. Marcotte had 1 assist and 1 goal in the semi-final. Donovan played in both the semi-final and championship games, giving up only 3 goals on the entire weekend.

Finlandia Leads MCHA All-Academic Team - February 29, 2008

HANCOCK – For the third year, Finlandia University leads the Midwest College Hockey Association (MCHA) All-Academic Team with 12 players.

They are sophomores Brandon Vanacker (3.558) and Bryan Solander (3.475); juniors Matthew Krueger (3.974), Marc “Tiger” Marcotte (3.668), and Blake Miller (3.581); and seniors Travis Hanson (3.725), Mike Parks (3.713), Matt Lindgren (3.713), Ryan Sullivan (3.512), Lucas Alberer (3.450), Josh Paquette (3.321), and C.J. Fisher (3.245).

The MCHA All-Academic Team will be announced this weekend at MCHA Harris Cup playoff games at the Kern Center in Milwaukee.

FU’s Donovan MCHA Freshman of the Week - February 12, 2008

HANCOCK – -Finlandia University Lions freshman goalie Ryan Donovan (Pinckney, Mich.) is the MCHA Freshman of the Week for the second time this year.

He earns the honors for his effort between the pipes against University of Minnesota-Crookston. He stopped 20 of 22 shots Friday and then 26 of 27 in Saturday’s win (.939 save percentage overall) while limiting the Golden Eagles to a 1-for-15 showing on the power play in the series.

“Ryan played very well this weekend,” said Finlandia head men’s hockey coach Joe Burcar. “Minn-Crookston is a challenging place to play and he earned two hard fought victories.”

Donovan was also named MCHA Freshman of the Week December 10, 2007, for his play in the Lions’ sweep of University of Minnesota-Crookston December 7 and 8.

FU's Tincknell Independents Player of Week

HANCOCK – Finlandia University sophomore forward Ally Tincknell ( Negaunee , Mich. ) has been named the Association of Division III Independents women's basketball Player of the Week for the second time this season.

On the weekend, Tincknell helped her team to a 1-1 record by averaging 23.5 points and 11 rebounds per contest. She also shot 57.7% from the floor and 70.8% from the charity stripe.

In a 61-49 victory over Rochester College February 1, she tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. On February 2, she added 32 points and 12 boards in a tough 74-66 loss to Marygrove College .

“Ally has been a solid player for us game in and game out,” said Curtis Wittenberg, head women's basketball coach.

FU’s Peterson, Tincknell Honored by D-III Independents

HANCOCK, MI – Finlandia University senior Laura Peterson (St. Ignace, Mich.) was selected by the Association of NCAA D-III Independent coaches as All- Independent 2nd Team Volleyball Setter.

Peterson averaged 8 assists per game (636 total assists) and had 3 digs per game (238 total digs).

Sophomore Ally Tincknell (Negaunee, Mich.) was selected by the NCAA D-III Independent coaches as an All-Independent Honorable Mention Volleyball Middle Blocker. She averaged 2.05 kills per game (164 total kills), 3.08 digs per game (246 total digs) and 27 solo blocks.

“I am very proud of these two girls,” said Katelyn Fogle, head women’s volleyball coach. “Each of them improved tremendously throughout the season.

“Laura, a senior captain, is the definition of hard work and commitment. She really deserved this honor and I am glad the other coaches took note of her statistics and character.

“Ally, fought through injury throughout the entire season and posted some great numbers in kills and digs. Ally will only improve in the next two years and I am excited for her to return next season with this honor under her belt.”

FU Men Beat D-II Northern Michigan - December 5, 2007

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Finlandia University men's basketball team won its second game in a row. Finlandia spoiled NMU's home opener on Wednesday night. The Lions defeated the ‘Cats by a score of 75-58. For Finlandia it was its third all-time victory over NMU. FU (then Suomi College) defeated NMU during the 1956-57 (73-65) and 2000-01 (67-62) seasons. FU improves to 2-4 on the season will the Wildcats are still looking for their first win are now 0-6.

The first six plus minutes of the game was close as neither team built a lead larger than three points. NMU had a 16-12 lead, then FU led the rest of the half except for two ties. Finlandia tied the score at 25-all with 4:42 remaining to half. Over the final four plus minutes of the half the Lions went on a 13-3 run. The score at half was 38-28. FU for the first 20 minutes of the game was 15-30 from the floor for 50 percent while the ‘Cats were struggling at 37.9 percent (11-29).

The second half belonged to the Lions. FU led the entire 20 minutes of play. Northern made a three-pointer at 12:33 as the ‘Cats were trailing (55-42). That was as close as NMU would get on the night.

FU ended the game by shooting 50 percent from the floor (29-58), while NMU shot 41 percent from the floor (21-51). FU had the edge off the glass at 36-28.

Finlandia's Erik Bresette led all scorers with 24 points and all rebounders with 11. Tyler Gorden also added 18 points and 8 rebounds for the Lions.

Finlandia will face the University of Wisconsin - Superior on Monday (Dec. 10) in Superior, Wisconsin at 8:00 p.m.

Finlandia’s Tincknell Named Player of the Week

HANCOCK, MI – Finlandia University sophomore forward Ally Tincknell (Negaunee, Mich.) has been named the Association of Division III Independents women’s basketball Player of the Week. Tincknell helped her team win the Silver Lake College Tip-Off Tournament in Manitowoc, Wis., by averaging 20.5 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. She also shot a blistering 68% from the field en route to an All-Tournament team selection. In a 65-61 win over Ashford, she tallied 27 points and nine boards and added 14 points and eight rebounds in Finlandia’s 64-54 victory over Silver Lake.

Finlandia’s McLean NCHA Player of the Week

HANCOCK, MI – Finlandia University forward Katelyn McLean, a freshman from Houghton, was named the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) women’s player of the week for the week of November 12, 2007, after scoring four goals and three assists as the Lions split a pair of games with Hamline University last weekend.

McLean outscored the entire Hamline offense in a 6-2 win on November 10, scoring three goals - two power play goals and a shorthanded goal - and two assists. In a 5-3 loss the following day, McLean tied the game at 1-1, then assisted on the go-ahead goal before Hamline came back with four straight goals.

Exceptional Weekend for Finlandia Men’s Hockey, and Players Paquette and Rouleau

HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University Lions opened their men’s ice hockey season with a bang, upending Concordia University in its first-ever league games by scores of 10-3 in the opener November 9, and 5-2 Saturday.

Finlandia also received votes in the national Top 15 poll released this week.

Finlandia’s Josh Paquette did not wait long this season to break the all-time MCHA scoring mark. Paquette assisted Ryan Sullivan’s first goal of the night Friday at the 19:10 mark of the first period. He finished with three assists in the game and now has career totals of 102 points on 39 goals and 63 assists.

Paquette entered play this season tied with former Marian College forward Dan Odegard (42G/57A), each with 99 points on the all-time list. Former MSOE forward Brian Soik’s record of 66 career assists will be the next target in Paquette’s sights.

Finlandia University Lions sophomore defenseman Ross Rouleau (Hancock, MI) stepped right in to the start of his season to earn MCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors. He had three assists in Friday’s victory and added a goal Saturday. For the weekend, he had four points and was plus-4 on the ice.

Finlandia Men’s Hockey Sweeps Concordia – November 10, 2007
Mequon, Wis.

The Finlandia men’s hockey team took two games this weekend from Concordia to start the season. Ryan Sullivan(4) (Marquette) started things off for the Lion’s at 4:37 with a power play goal with help from Mike Parks (Marquette) and Blake Miller (Hancock). This was followed by another power play goal from Ross Rouleau (1) (Hancock) from Keith Johnstone (Marquette) to put the Lion’s ahead two nothing after one period.

In the second period Jonathan Smith (1) of the Falcons slipped one by the Finlandia goaltender at 5:52 to bring the Falcons to within one goal. However, Mike Parks (2) (Marquette) finished the scoring with the game winner in the second with a goal to put the Lion’s back up by two at 15:21. Brandon Vanacker (Lincoln Park) and Ross Rouleau added assists.

Mike Parks (3) returned in the third and scored a power play goal at 1:16 with help from Joe Beaudry (Marquette) and Marc Marcotte (L’anse). Justin Maciuk of the Falcons added his second of the season on a short handed goal at 17:16. The scoring ended when Blake Miller (1) beat the Falcon’s goalie at 18:50 on a power play goal to give the Lion’s a 5-2 win.

Garrett Lee (Burnaby, B.C.) (W, 1-0-0) had 29 saves while Alexander Kueppen (L, 0-1-0) for Concordia had 47 saves. Finlandia had 51 shots on goal to Concordia’s 31. On the Power Play Finlandia were 4 for 9 while Concordia was 1 of 11. Penalties for the Lion’s was 11 for 22 minutes and Concordia was 13 for 53 minutes.

Finlandia Lions Beat Concordia – November 9, 2007
Mequon, Wisconsin

Friday the Lion's Men's hockey team started league play on all cylinders by defeating the Falcons of Concordia 10-3.

Jason Klauka of Concordia scored at 13:48 of the first period to take the lead for the first and last time. Ryan Sullivan (Marquette)(1) responded with his first of the season at 19:10 with helpers from Joe Beau dry(Marquette)and Mike Parks(Marquette) to give the Lion's a power play goal. At 19:56 Corey Blake (Marquette) (1) scored on another power play to put the Lion's up 2-1. Assisting on the goal was Travis Hanson (Bark River) and Brandon Vanacker (Lincoln Park).

In the second period Adam Domaas tied the game at 4:47. This score was short lived as Ryan Sullivan (2) put the Lion's back on top with help from Josh Paquette (Marquette) and Joe Beaudry. Domaas responded again at 8:44 to tie the game for the third time. At 9:34 Joe Beaudry (1) got his first of the year and game winner unassisted. The second period ended after Ryan Sullivan (3)
scored his third of the night for a hat trick with help from Mike Parks and Josh Paquette. This was followed by a talley from Mike Parks (1) with Ross Rouleau (Hancock) and Tiger Marcotte (L'anse) assisting.

The Lion's scored four more unanswered goals in the third period by Travis Hanson (2) (Corey Blake) short handed. Brandon VanAcker (1) scored his first of the season from Keith Johnstone (Marquette) at 16:52. The scoring ended with Joe Beaudry (2) with his second of the night at 18:40 from Ross Rouleau and Mike Parks. The third period saw six game disqualifications following a check from behind on Ryan Sullivan. Two Lion's and four Falcons will miss the next game on Saturday.

Lukas Alberer (Poertscach, Austria) made 19 saves for the Lion's (W, 1-0-0). Justus Neuman took the loss for Concordia (L,0-1-0) with 55 saves. Finlandia had ten penalties for 36 minutes while Concordia had 14 penalties for 71 minutes. Finlandia was 5 for 10 on the power play.

Finlandia’s Danielson NCHA Player of the Week

Finlandia University athletic director and head women’s ice hockey coach Chris Salani announced today that sophomore goalie Annika Danielson has been named Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) women’s player of the week for the week of November 5, 2007.

Danielson, from Cokato, Minn., received the honor after leading the Lions to two shutout wins last weekend against Augsburg College.

Finlandia defeated Augsburg by identical 3-0 scores in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Danielson, who recorded her first two career shutouts, stopped 23 saves in the November 2 opener, and then turned away 19 saves the following day.

Women's Hockey sweeps Augsburg College - November 3, 2007

Claiming a 41-19 advantage in shots-on-goal, Finlandia University scored a 3-0 victory over host Augsburg College on Saturday afternoon, completing a weekend sweep of the Auggies at the Augsburg Ice Arena.

Scoring goals for the Lions, now 2-0-0 overall, were Amy Danielson (Jr., Centerville, Minn.), Katelyn McLean (Fr., Houghton, Mich.) her first career goal as a Lion, and Brenda Peterson (So., Calumet, Mich.).

Danielson opened the scoring at the 5:42 mark of the first period, deflecting a shot in front of the net into the goal. Adele Horrigan (Jr., Gaylord, Mich.) and Ashley Leitch (Sr., Garden City, Mich.) assisted on the goal.

The Lions out shot the Auggies by a 14-5 margin in the second period, scoring twice in a 1:17 span. McLean scored on a power-play tally from Danielle Syrowik (Fr., Selby Township, Mich.) at the 12:21 mark, and Peterson scored from Jennifer Kelly (So., Brownstown, Mich.) at the 13:38 mark.

Annika Danielson (So., Cokato, Minn.) had 19 saves for the Lions to record her second straight shutout to open the season.

Finlandia hosts Hamline next Saturday (11/10) at 7:15 p.m and Sunday (11/11) TBA.

Lady Lions start off the hockey season with a shutout - November 2, 2007

Coach Salani contributes a long bus ride to the Lions slow start, but they were able to get their legs and win a 3-0 shutout over the Auggies of Augsburg College on Friday night.

Scoring her first career goal as a Lion was Katie Fredianelli (Fr., Hancock, Mich.) at the 9:21 mark of the first period, assisted by Jennifer Kelly (So., Brownstown, Mich.) and Kendra Benson (So., Harrison Township, Mich.).  Danielle Syrowik (Sr., Shelby Township, Mich.) added two more goals for the Lions, one at the 12:34 mark or the second period, the other at the 10:11 mark in the third period.

Special teams were tested in this game as each team tallied 8 penalties a piece.  Neither team could cash in while the other was short-handed.

Recording her first career shutout as a Lion was Annika Danielson (So., Cokato, Minn.) with 23 saves.

Local Finlandia soccer players shine - October 20, 2007

On a mud covered field Saturday in Houghton the Finlandia Lion’s women’s soccer team fought through the tough field conditions to win 11-1 against Mount Mary College. Houghton residents Hayley Laban and Katelyn McLean came up big for the lions burying 3 goals apiece earning their first hat tricks of the season. Freshman Hayley Laban with her 3 goals and 1 assist tallied 7 points in the contest, and Freshman Katelyn McLean with her 3 goals and 2 assists earned 8 points on the day. Also scoring for the lions was Brighton, Michigan native Janna Daavettila scoring 3 goals earning herself the third hat trick of the day. Sophomore defender Molly Raab and Senior defender Brenda Peterson also scored a goal for the lions. “The field conditions were tough today and every player on the field was covered in mud. Our ladies fought through the adverse conditions, worked the ball well, and took advantage of training all week in the rain. Today was a record day for the program and the women worked hard to achieve it. I am continually impressed by the talent and drive of my players,” states fourth year head coach Matt Griffith.

Lions Fight Hard in OT Loss - October 9, 2007

The Finlandia men’s soccer team lost a hard fought match in overtime on Monday in Mankato Minnesota against Bethany Lutheran College. Finlandia struck first on a header that found the back of the net by Toshiyuki Mita, which was assisted by Nic Polzin. Bethany then scored two goals to take the lead with 2 minutes left in the half. Lion’s Freshman Daniel Rodriguez scored with 30 seconds left in the half from a well placed shot from 43 yards out which tied the game going into the second half. Entering the second half Finlandia scored early on a penalty kick from Marcus Halme. The lions fought hard throughout the rest of the second half and Bethany scored with 5 minutes remaining to take it into overtime. With 1 minute left in overtime Bethany scored to win the game. “My men fought hard today and I was impressed by their poise. It is due to the hard work and dedication that we are competitive this year. These are a great bunch of men and are great representatives of Finlandia athletics,” states Griffith.

Lions Win in OT - September 15, 2007

The men's Finlandia Lions soccer team roared to victory over Grace Bible College out of Grand Rapids, Mich. in an overtime win on Saturday. Finlandia, now 1 and 4 on the season, needed 103 minutes in order to come out ahead. Grace Bible struck early in the 36th minute of play putting Finlandia down by one goal going into halftime. Finlandia's Daniel Rodriguez from Panama scored to tie the game 20 minutes into the second half on a 35 yard shot. Grace struck back 10 minutes later taking the lead on a questionable call that led to a penalty kick. Lion's midfielder Marcus Halme from Finland scored the tying goal to take it into overtime with 3 minutes left in regulation time.  At 103 minutes into the game Marcus Halme fired a penalty shot into the upper right ninety to seal the win for Finlandia. Senior Tucker Thoreson (Crystal Falls, Mich.) and freshman Andrew Blake (Chassell, Mich.) contributed to outstanding defensive play for Finlandia.  Lion's goaltender Dane Rasmussen stopped 6 of Grace Bible's quality shots on net.  “This win is a true team effort. We had 19 shots from 8 different players, which means that we distributed the ball well today. I am proud of my men, and it is their continuing heart and determination that allows us to win games,” states Coach Griffith.