Two games this weekend as the Huron-Perth Lakers Minor Midgets got their regular season underway.
Saturday saw the boys take to the ice at RIM Park in Waterloo. After a delay to the start time due to an ice issue, the puck was finally dropped. A back-and-forth first period ended with neither team getting on the scoresheet. Goalie Carter Roth held the fort nicely and gave the boys a chance to get their legs under them.
The Lakers managed to cash in with the first goal in the second period while short-handed, when Kaden Hoggarth split the Wolves defensemen and put a beautiful backhand up where mama keeps the cookies. Assists to Thomas Gangl and Austin Mumby.
The Wolves stuck back to tie the game. But the Lakers would take advantage on the powerplay, regaining the lead. It was co-Captain Carter Schoonerwoerd with the goal (assisted by Gangl and Bobby Leis).
Alas the Wolves would again tie up the game before time ran out on the second period.
Shortly into the third period, the Lakers had a great opportunity to retake the lead when 2 minor penalties were assessed to the Wolves on the same play, leading to a full two minute 5-on-3. However, the Wolves defended well and killed off the Lakers powerplay. This seemed to swing momentum their way and shortly afterward they took the lead on a quick turnaround wrister that beat Roth up high.
As time dwindled, the Lakers put on a full-court press for the equalizer with Roth on the bench for the extra attacker. However, it was the Wolves who managed the game’s final goal into the empty net to seal the deal. Final score – Wolves 4, Lakers 2
Sunday dawned a new day with another chance to get in the win column. A beautiful day for a drive to Sarnia, where the Lambton Jr. Sting awaited – fresh off a tie with the Cambridge Hawks the previous day.
The Sting struck first, mid-way through the first period on a shot from the slot that beat goalie Garrett Golley, putting them up 1-0. The period ended with the same score as the Lakers were unable to answer back.
The Lakers came out strong in the second looking to tie things up. They were successful when Kaden Hoggarth (assisted by Sheldon Pryce and Lakin Hendry) converted on a chance – 1-1 game. That's how we ended the second period and in the boys went for a break.
This time around it was the Lakers with the early jump in the third period. They controlled most of the play and forced the Sting to take the game’s only minor penalty (!). The Laker boys managed to wear down the opponent and finally broke the tie on a great tip from Carter Schoonerwoerd (who is officially on fire), on a nice point shot from Austin Mumby.
A third goal off the stick of Sheldon Pryce gave some breathing room down the stretch. A great turn-around clapper from the face-off circle beat the Sting goalie high, just under the bar. Beauty!
From there it was up to the defenders and Golley to hold things down and secure the 3-1 win. Huge props to the defensive corps of Gangl, Mumby, Brown, Van Boekel, Robinson and Fischer, who blocked shots all game long. That’s team-first play boys!
Next up is the Face-Off Weekend in Windsor next weekend with 3 league games on tap. Also, be sure to follow @2002hplakers on your favourite social media platform.