The Lakers faced off against the Jr. Knights on Monday night for the third game in as many days at the Olympic-sized ice at the Western Fairground. The Minor Atoms put forth a strong effort, taking the first place Knights to 5 games. The Lakers made London take note of the Huron Perth team as two of London’s victories could have just as easily gone the other way.
Chayse Herrfort opened scoring for the game on an assist from Cole McKee and Justin McCarter. The Lakers out-chanced the Knights during the first, but the period ended 2-1 for London.
The Lakers had a lapse during the second period, giving up two more goals to the London squad. The team could have gave up but didn’t. After gaining their momentum again; Ryley Cribbin came up with a goal at the end of the second period on a play from Neve Van Pelt, ending the period at 4-2.
Once again the Lakers out-chanced the Knights in the third but were held back by strong London goaltending. There was a great effort by the Lakers defence of: Liam Melady, Jacob Hrudka, Keenan Conlon, Spencer Dowd and Nicole Zabel, who were all visibly exhausted at the end of the game. Brent West found the net this period with a power play goal on a pass from Herrfort. Despite strong pressure and excellent passing, the Lakers ended the game with a 4-3 loss.
Look for this team to carry this momentum and strong work ethic into the round robin series with the Lambton Jr. Sting and the Sun County Panthers. The first game is Saturday against the Sun County Panthers at the Brussels Arena at 3:00 p.m.