On November 3, the Minor Atoms faced off against the Kitchener Jr. Rangers at the Brussels Arena. The Lakers opened scoring half way through the period on a goal by Ryley Cribben (Minto) from Chayse Herrfort (Minto). The Lakers ended the period with two in the box and came out strong in the second killing both penalties and carrying the momentum forward with multiple scoring opportunities. Brandon Bean (Goderich) was strong in net, with many nice saves throughout the game. The Rangers found the net twice in the second ending the period ahead 2-1.
The Lakers had a strong third period, with their defence playing a solid game, standing the Rangers up on the blue line and forcing turnovers. The Lakers outplayed Kitchener the majority of the game and salvaged a point when Jon Baker (South Huron) tied the game with 11 seconds left on a play from Cole McKee (Wingham) and Cribben. The Lakers put forth a very strong effort against one of the league’s top teams.
The Minor Atoms continued their strong playing November 4 against the Waterloo Wolves at the Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich. The Waterloo goalie was the difference in what could have been a big win for the Lakers. Cribben and Herrfort had a strong game, creating numerous opportunities, and like the game against Kitchener, the Lakers controlled most of the play. Wyatt Nicholson (Mitchell) played well in net for the Lakers with a couple of great glove-hand saves. Herrfort opened scoring for the Lakers during the first out-skating the Wolves on a pass from Justin McCarter (South Huron). Cribben scored shorthanded 9 seconds into the second on a pass from Herrfort followed minutes later on a goal by McKee from Cribben and Liam Melady (Seaforth) demonstrating great pressure and teamwork. The second period ended with each team at three goals. The Wolves pulled ahead with 5 minutes left in the game, and held onto a 4-3 win. The Lakers are playing well as a team; their focus now needs to be capitalizing on their scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net. Good effort Lakers!