The schedule maker had the Lakers in the middle of a busy stretch seeing them play five league games in nine nights.
Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs
On November 20, the Lakers welcomed league leading Elgin Middlesex Chiefs to the Stratford Rotary Complex. Before a large crowd, both teams demonstrated their offensive prowess with the Chiefs eventually coming out ahead 9-6. Both teams tallied three power play goals each in a penalty filled game. The difference in the game were two 2nd period Chiefs' short handed goals on the same Lakers' power play. Positively, at the end of the 2nd period, the Lakers were down 7-3 and came back to make a game of it.
Coach Hodgkinson was proud of the boys as they battled back in the 3rd period to make it 8-6 before surrounding a late empty net goal. Lakers' goals and assists in the game were as follows:
1st –
Brett Stacey from
Brett Lockhart and
Jared Zufelt
2nd –
Iain Donnelly from
Braydon Blight and
Mac MacSorley
2nd – Mac MacSorley from
Riley McCabe
3rd –
Michael Siddall from
Jayden Landry and Donnelly
3rd – MacSorley from Lockhart
3rd - Donnelly from
Devin Williams and Landry
Lakers net minders
Joe Metzger and
Ben Errington combined to stop 33 of 40 shots. The Lakers had 23 shots on net.
London Jr Knights (Green)
On Monday, November 22, the Lakers travelled to London for the first of three league games against London Green. Turns out, London Green was sleepy for this one and the Lakers dominated from the opening faceoff. The newly formed line of
Nick Castell,
Devin Williams and
Ben Kirwin were on fire and produced four of eight goals in an 8-0 romp.
Joe Metzger stopped 22 shots for his first shut out of the year. Lakers goals and assists in the game were as follows:
1st –
Jayden Landry from
Kyle Sippel and
Nick Castell
2nd –
Devin Williams from
Iain Donnelly and Castell
2nd – Castell from
Ben Kirwin and
Braydon Blight
2nd – Castell from Blight
3rd –
Mac MacSorley from Blight and
Joe Metzger
3rd - Landry from
Brett Stacey
3rd – MacSorley from Landry and Donnelly
3rd – Blight from
Brett Lockhart and
Greg Williams
London Jr Knights (Green)
A rematch with London Green was set up for Thursday, November 25 at Dufferin arena in Stratford. London Green had revenge on their mind and the Lakers knew they would have a tough match.
From the opening faceoff, it was apparent London Green would not roll over and hand the Lakers another easy victory. Every puck was contested and in the end, the Lakers managed a come from behind 5-4 victory. Two early third period power play goals were the difference and the Lakers held on and escaped with two points. Shots on net were even at 19 apiece.
Lakers' points were recorded as follows:
1st –
Braydon Blight from
Ben Kirwin
1st –
Brett Lockhart from
Jayden Landry
2nd –
Riley McCabe from
Michael Siddall and Kirwin
3rd – Lockhart from
Iain Donnelly and Landry
3rd – Landry from Kirwin
Chatham-Kent Cyclones
On Saturday, November 27, the Lakers travelled to Bothwell for their annual away game with the Chatham Kent Cyclones. The 95’s have always had problems in the tiny Bothwell rink and this game would be no different. Both teams came out tentative but it didn’t take long for big hits and fast paced action. The Cyclones built a one goal lead mid way through the third. The Lakers scored at 7:08 of the third to tie the game. With six minutes to play, the Lakers were given a five minute power play resulting from a charging major. Unfortunately, the Lakers took their own penalty a minute later and negated the advantage. Final score 2-2.
Joe Metzger was stellar in net, stopping 30 of 32 shots. The Lakers managed 25 shots on the Chatham net.
Point getters for the Lakers:
1st –
Nick Castell from
Iain Donnelly and
Braydon Blight
3rd – Castell from Donnelly and
Mackinley O'Keefe.
Windsor Jr Spitfires
The fifth and final game saw the Lakers travel down the 401 to meet up with the Windsor Jr. Spitfires. The Windsor 95’s are a top West Division team and this Lakers group has rarely squeezed out a win over the Spits in their history.
The Lakers started with good energy and played even with the Spits for the 1st period. Both teams traded power play opportunities but it was the Spits who scored on a power play near the end of the 2nd period. The Lakers were given a five on three opportunity to start the third but failed to bulge the twine. As the game progressed, the Lakers started to show their weary legs and the Spits carried the game easily. Bantam call-up
Garrett James banked one in off the Spits’ goalie late in the 3rd to break the shutout.
Jacob Middleton was also called up from the Bantam team and had a terrific game.
Ben Errington played a superb game in net and kept the game closer than the final 3-1 score.
Next action for the Lakers is this weekend when they face the Kitchener Jr. Rangers on Saturday December 4 at Stratford Rotary – 1:30 p.m.
submitted by Mich Landry