On Saturday October 13 the Lakers faced off against the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs at the Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich. The first period was scoreless as the defence put forth a strong effort, limiting the Chief’s shots and keeping them to the outside. After the prior weekend of many unnecessary penalties, the Lakers team seemed determined to play a more disciplined game
The second period saw the Lakers make a beautiful passing play between Cole McKee (Wingham), Jon Baker ( South Huron) and Chayse Herrfort (Minto) to net the first goal of the game. Minutes later, the team gave up a shorthanded goal, and despite good effort by both teams, the period ended at one a piece.
The Lakers came out strong in the third and Brent West (Shallow Lake) found the net bringing the Lakers ahead by one. Minutes later, the Lakers found themselves with 2 in the box but did a good job of killing the penalties and hanging onto their 1 goal lead. With a minute left to play in the third, the Chiefs pulled their goalie and fought hard for the tie. The effort was rewarded as the puck was fired in the Laker’s net with 12 seconds remaining. Puck control is an area the team needs to improve on, with the Lakers giving up the puck too easily, too often.
On Sunday October 14 the Lakers played the Brantford 99’s at the St. Marys Arena. It was a flat start for the Huron-Perth team, as they seemed more interested in watching Brantford pass and move the puck, than getting involved. At the end of the first period, Brantford led 2-0 with both goals being shorthanded.
The Lakers got on the board in the second with a goal by Chayse Herrfort on a pass from Nick Jung (Elma Logan). The team did not give the puck away as much as the previous game, but didn’t have their legs moving and couldn’t get any sort of attack going. The second period saw two more goals from Brantford and ended with at a score of 4-1 with the 99ers beating the clock by a fraction of a second for their fourth goal.
The third period saw the Lakers get involved in the game, and they were able to play with Brantford but it was too late. Despite a goal from Ryley Cribben (Minto) on a play assisted by Jung and an unassisted goal by Herrfort, the Lakers lost to the 99ers 6-3.
The next regular season game will see the Lakers facing the Elgin Middlesex Chiefs at the Ice House in London on October 20 at 2 pm.