99's Major Atom Lakers Update
The 99 Major Atom Lakers played three games this past week resulting in a 1-2 record. The boys played strongly in a 3-0 victory over Cambridge and in a 3-1 loss to league leading Hamilton but had a misstep in a 5-2 loss to the Kitchener Rangers.
The Lakers' first game was a disappointment on Saturday in the Activa Center in Kitchener. Despite a good first half of the game the Lakers stumbled in the second and allowed the Rangers to roll to a 5-2 victory. The dangerous duo of Ashton Stockie and Tanner Hertel both had a goal and an assist while Mitchell Newson added an assist. Evan Moorehead was outstanding on the blueline with excellent decision making and tough defensive play while forwards Carter Collinson, Noah Kuno and Jacob Rooke were relentless on the forecheck and made their presence felt all game.
Sundays’ game against a tough Hamilton was squad produced a great effort from the Lakers which unfortunately was not matched by the officiating. Despite having to play almost the entire second period shorthanded, often down by two players, the Lakers carried the play against the dangerous Reps before falling 3-1. The line of Will Thibeault, Justin Beuermann and Dillon Weinheimer was particularly effective as they pressured the Reps with great skating and physical play. Thibeault was a force killing penalties and also drew an assist on the lone Laker goal scored by Beuermann. Kade Landry and Hunter James had excellent games defensively while Brock Baier was great in goal.
The Lakers got the result they were looking for on Wednesday against the Hawks. In a strong effort the boys wrapped up a convincing 3-0 win which could have been much higher if not for some excellent Hawk goaltending. Kuno, Newson and Weinheimer scored the Lakers goals. With assists going to Stockie, Hertel, Moorehead and Bradley Kraemer - Kraemer setting up Kuno's goal with a great rush. The ever reliable Brett Denny continued his excellent defensive play while also being a constant threat with great shots from the point. Ben Derrough played a physical game battling hard in the defensive zone while Baily Paquette was unbeatable as he earned the shutout.
written by: Mike Weinheimer
