The 99 Major Atom Lakers dropped a pair of hard fought games against quality opposition in the form of the league leading Waterloo Wolves and the talented Elgin Middlesex Chiefs. Despite the two narrow defeats there were plenty of positives in the results as the Lakers battled hard and played some exciting skillful hockey.
On Saturday, the Lakers carried the play as they gave the Wolves all they could handle in a superb high tempo game. Down by two, Brett Denny got the Lakers on the board as he scored on a low drive from the point to make it 2-1. Mitchell Newson drew the assist. The teams then exchanged goals with Noah Kuno scoring on beautiful play with Jacob Rooke and Evan Moorehead assisting. With time winding down, the Lakers made a frantic effort to find an equalizer as they buzzed the Waterloo goal until time ran out on a 3-2 Wolves' victory. Kade Landry had an outstanding game, moving the puck well and playing smothering defense. Hunter James and Bradley Kraemer played tough defensively while Justin Beuermann skated hard throughout. Goaltender Brock Baier was sensational, making many big saves in blunting the high scoring Wolves' attack.
Sunday, the Lakers hosted Elgin-Middlesex and quickly found themselves down 4-1 against a hungry looking Chiefs team. Tanner Hertel scored the Lakers' first goal on a nice play cashing in a Will Thibeault pass. As usual there was no quit in the boys, and they battled their way back into the game. Ben Derrough made it 4-2, crushing a great top shelf slapshot from the point that the Chiefs' goalie may have heard but certainly did not see. Landry assisted on the play. Ashton Stockie then made it 4-3 finishing off a nice breakout play with Thibeault and Dillon Weinheimer drawing the assists. This set the stage for another late game assault as the Lakers searched for the tying goal. It was not to be, however, as the Chiefs scored an empty netter and ended up with a 5-3 victory. Carter Collinson had an excellent game skating well and working hard, Derrough played well defensively and Baily Paquette was terrific in goal as he kept the Lakers in the game with several big glove and pad saves.
The Lakers are honoured and excited to meet some of the best hockey teams in the United States as they gear up for the Can Am Collision Tournament in Detroit, Michigan this week. Having the opportunity to represent their country, and wearing the Team Canada jersey, is sure to be an experience for these young players and their coaches that will never be forgotten.