The HPL Minor Peewees finished 2 points back of the Waterloo Wolves in league play this year and as tight as their season rivalry of 1-2-1 was, the two teams are now tied at 3 points a piece in their first series with games being decided by only a goal.
Game 1 was held last Thursday in Waterloo and was a terrific game The Lakers dropped behind 2-0 with 11 minutes to go in the third before they managed to convert on a powerplay goal to narrow the gap to 2-1. As has become a trademark of this squad, they elevated their play to try to win this game and with a little over a minute on the clock tied the game. Five minutes of overtime solved nothing but provided some exciting opportunities.
In Game 2, held at the Wingham Rec Centre, Waterloo showed their perseverance as it was the Lakers' turn to jump out to a 2-0 lead only to see Waterloo claw back to make it 2-2. Waterloo took the lead a minute into the third and had a 3-2 lead until the 4 minute mark of the third when the Lakers tied it up. The Lakers squad got the 4-3 go ahead goal with a minute left in the third in what was a treat of a game to watch.
Game 3 back in Waterloo was a defensive battle, the Lakers squad jumped out to an early 1-0 lead but did not hold it for long as Waterloo got the tying marker. For over a period and a half the two squads battled through scoreless hockey to the end of the game's regulation time. A Lakers penalty late in the third gave Waterloo the man advantage going into the overtime period. Waterloo broke free right off the faceoff and converted for the winner.
Shots in all three games were virtually equal and the series now stands at 3 points apiece. The Lakers will face the Wolves in Hensall Friday night at 7:30 p.m. If the first 3 games of the series are any indication this will be a game you will not want to miss.