The Minor Atoms skated into Kitchener on Saturday afternoon.
The Lakers started out what maybe 7 long games against the Kitchener Rangers (who will be the 1st round opponents in the playoffs) down 1-0, the Lakers tied it at 1's with great board work and protection of the puck by Bobby Leis who then dished off to Sheldon Pryce behind the net for the wrap around.
In a 2nd period that seemed sluggish for both team the Lakers lone goal of the period was Zac
McCann speeding past the Kitchener defender then going bar down on a nice passing play from Affiliate Thomas Gangl to Ethan Hewitt to McCann to finish it off.
The Lakers entered the penalty filled 3rd period down 3-2 but being short handed seemed to be the answer for the Lakers as they scored 2 SH goals and missed a 3rd by 9 seconds. The 1st short handed effort was exactly that ... Great effort by Tyler Hotson as he picked a defender's pocket, was checked and as he fell to the ice the 2nd effort at the puck pushed home the tying goal. 33 seconds later still short handed Pryce capped off a solo effort with bullet dead center of the net as the Lakers took the lead. The 5th Lakers goal also came with only 4 skaters on the ice the teams played 4 on 4 and just 9 seconds prior to being yet again short handed Tate Gaylor started from behind his own net with the outlet pass to Hotson, a little chip off the boards sprung McCann in and the odd angle shot eluded the Kitchener goalie to finish the come back for the Lakers.
The rangers did not quit as they took control of the tempo with less than 5 mins left as Kints turned aside the mini barrage with some great defensive help by Braeden McNaughton as he saved 2 sure goals clearing the rebounds and paid the price on both to make the plays and preserve the Lakers victory.