NCAA and OUA Hockey Powerhouses Meet in Essex for Historic Cross-Border Exhibition
ESSEX, ONTARIO — High-caliber college hockey is heading to the Essex Recreation Complex on Saturday, October 3, as the Windsor Lancers take on the NCAA Division I Lake Superior State Lakers in an elite cross-border exhibition showdown hosted by the Essex 73's. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
The special matchup brings together two storied hockey programs with rich traditions of success on both sides of the border:
Lake Superior State Lakers (NCAA Division I): A three-time NCAA National Champion program (1988, 1992, 1994), the Lakers have produced notable NHL stars and Stanley Cup champions, including Doug Weight, Brian Rolston, Jim Dowd, Bates Battaglia, and John Grahame.
Windsor Lancers (OUA / U SPORTS): The two-time Queen's Cup Champions and 2026 OUA West Regular Season Champions feature a proud lineage of talent, including former NHL player Andy Delmore, former U SPORTS Player of the Year Spencer Pommells, and former Essex 73's standouts Dan Mahon and Len Chittle.
The host Essex 73's invite hockey fans from across the region to experience fast-paced, elite university hockey close to home.
Event Details:
Event: OUA-NCAA Face-Off: Windsor Lancers vs. Lake Superior State Lakers
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Essex Recreation Complex, Essex, ON
Hosted By: Essex 73's Junior C Hockey Club
Tickets are available now.