Als come up short in season opener

The Nipissing Alouettes held their own in their first regular season game with the South Muskoka Shield taking a 3-2 lead into the third period but two unanswered goals followed by an empty marker resulted in a 5-3 road loss. The Als, who looked impressive in two big exhibition wins last weekend against the Ville Marie Dragons, couldn't score as easily against the Shield, a top team in last year's loop.

Justin Huyke, Kyle Boyer and Steven Garcia tallied for the Als.

"We started slowly, we only have 3 skaters with junior experience as opposed to Muskoka's 12 returning players," said Als coach Lui Ricci.

"We fought back and we improved as the game went on. Pat Beaudry was solid in goal for us, he kept us in the game, especially at the start."

The Alouettes now have a full week of practice to get ready to once again hit the road to take on the Dragons in Ville-Marie next Friday. The Als then host the Innisfil Lakers on Sunday night at the Verner Arena. Game time is 8:00 p.m.

Submitted to BayToday.ca