It took longer than they would have liked, but the Nipissing Lakers men’s hockey team earned their first home ice win Friday night over the Laurier Golden Hawks.
The Lakers were winless at home entering the game, but got off to a very strong start and used that start to pick up a 5-3 win.
The Lakers scored two goals within the first five minutes, as Matt Paton and Brock Morrison found the back of the net to put the Lakers up 2-0.
Laurier would get one back before the end of the period as the first 20 minutes ended with Nipissing up 2-1.
The two teams exploded for three goals in the first four minutes of the middle frame, as the Lakers went up 3-1 before Laurier closed the gap once again.
Right after that goal, the Lakers took a two goal lead again.
Jacob McDowell and Mackenzie Keirstead scored in the second period for Nipissing.
In the third, the teams traded goals as Laurier climbed within one with a power play goal just before the midway mark of the period.
The Lakers would hold on, however, and an empty-net power play goal would seal the win and give Nipissing their first home win of the season.
Erik Robichaud had two assists and Kirk Rafuse picked up the win, making 33 saves.
Looking to make it two in a row, the Lakers will host the Waterloo Warriors Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.
