The Huron Perth Minor Atoms have finished a fine season of hockey, earning 4 points in the round robin series with the Sun County Panthers and the Lambton Jr. Sting. The Lakers, still rolling after a great series against London, defeated the Panthers in the first game 7-2. The team played a strong game with an explosive third period, seeing all lines score and solid defensive efforts.
Unfortunately by the following weekend, a flu bug had settled into the team, with at least seven players feeling the effects. The second game of the series saw the Jr. Sting play a strong, well-executed game, limiting Lakers scoring opportunities. The Lakers had trouble finding the back of the net, but had chances hitting both the posts and the cross bar. The only goal of the game came from the Sting with a 5 on 3 advantage during the second. Wyatt Nicholson played a great game in net, especially during the third, holding the Lakers in the game. However, the team continued to take penalties and used what energy they had left killing those penalties off.
Game 3 saw the Lakers travel by bus through a blustery winter storm to Windsor for the second match up against the Panthers. The weather made for a long ride and the team was still feeling the effects of the flu bug. The Lakers tired easily and did not seem to have their heads in the game. Again, there were too many penalties and too much energy used playing short handed. Branden Bean played a strong game in net but the Lakers lost in overtime 4-3.
The final game of the series against Lambton had no meaning in terms of playoff advancement but the Lakers took this opportunity to finish their season off on a winning note; something they had become more accustomed to in the second half of their season. The first period saw good end-to-end action from both teams and resulted in no score. The Lakers lost focus during the second and found themselves down 5-2 at the start of the third. The team decided this was not how they wanted the season to end and after 3 unanswered goals, pushed the game into overtime. 2:32 into overtime defensemen Spencer Dowd scored his first goal of the year and the game winner for the Lakers.
The Minor Atom Lakers would like to thank all their parents, grandparents & many fans for their support throughout the season. Hip-hip hurray, Hip-hip hurray, Hip-hip hurray!