Written by Chris Holloway
The HP Lakers Major Atoms enjoyed a tremendous 2nd half as they charged from 4th place in the Alliance East Division all the way to 2nd spot and receive a first-round playdown bye.
A 5-1-2 December was highlighted by victories over both 1st place teams, Elgin and Kitchener. Their victory over the Kitchener Jr Rangers became the Rangers only loss of the regular season.
A mid-January slump due to a tired team was quickly forgotten as the boys sprinted to the regular season finish going 3-0 and out-scoring their opponents 18-3 over that stretch. Strong defensive play, great goaltending and a renewed commitment to team play, resulted in the great finish and growing anticipation towards a long playdown run.