On Saturday October 20, the Lakers travelled to the Ice House to face the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs. The Lakers came out very strong, outplaying the Chiefs in the first period, but could not get a goal registered on the scoreboard. The team demonstrated good puck movement from the defence and strong pressure from the forward lines. Both Chayse Herrfort (Minto) and Liam Melady (Seaforth) were skating the puck well, getting the Lakers out of their end and moving the play into the Chief’s zone throughout the game.
The Lakers failed to remain disciplined through the 2nd period and in a five minute lapse, the Chiefs were up 3-0. The team fought back hard and came up with two late second period goals. Jacob Hrudka (South Huron) demonstrated a strong effort coming up with the puck in the corners and feeding it in front of the Chief’s net. This resulted in the first goal by Jon Baker (South Huron) from Cole McKee (Wingham) and Hrudka and the second on a strong end-to-end rush for an unassisted beauty by Nick Jung (Elma Logan).
The Lakers continued to play well in the third period but just couldn’t get to the net to finish. The Chiefs scored a late goal, taking advantage of the Huron Perth team’s focus on getting the game tying goal, resulting in a final 4-2 for the Chiefs.
On Sunday October 21st, the Minor Atoms faced the Lambton Jr. Sting at the Maitland Recreation Centre. The Lakers had another good start to the game, controlling most of the first period, but once again ending the period with no goals to show for their efforts.
The whole team played with high energy and a strong focus, determined to breakthrough and win the game. This style of play was well rewarded throughout the second period and the Lakers scoring was opened by Justin McCarter (South Huron) from Chayse Herrfort, followed shortly afterwards by Ryley Cribben (Minto) from Nicole Zabel (Minto) and a late period goal by Jacob Hrudka from Kyle Jones (South Huron).
The Lakers continued to play well through the third period. Wyatt Nicholson (Mitchell) made good quality saves when called upon. The defence continued to take charge of their end zone and the team demonstrated great passing plays and aggressiveness towards the Jr. Sting’s net. Herrfort scored an insurance goal from Dominic Burbine (Goderich) half way through the period. The Jr. Sting put on a strong effort with 6 offensive skaters for the last minute of the game, coming up with their one and only goal. The Lakers celebrated a 4-1 victory. Next weekend they are on the road to Sun County for two games against the Panthers.