Gryphons overtake Lakers

GUELPH, ON - Derek Knowles and Kris Belan had 2 goals each as the Guelph Gryphons stretched the Nipissing Lakers losing streak to four games with a 6-2 win in front of 301 fans at the Gryphon Centre arena Saturday afternoon.

Jordan Gallea got the Lakers on the board 2 minutes into the game but Derek Knowles evened the score less than a minute later and scored the go ahead goal midway through the first frame as the Gryphons poured in 4 goals in total in the first 20 minutes on Lakers goalie Matt Hache who allowed 4 goals on 14 shots before being replaced by Kyle Cantlon near the 18 minute mark.

Lakers head coach Mike McParland was disappointed with his club's slow start but he believes they clashed with a Gryphons team that's peaking.

"They played very well and were firing on all cylinders," said McParland pointing out OHL grads Thomas Kiriakou, Jake Lalonde and Matt Lyall were impressive along with their established players.

"They were clearly better than us. Last night’s game was physical and may have tired us out but Guelph is a very, very good team," added McParland.

There were no late game Lakers heroics as they managed only 6 shots on goal in the period they usually dominate.

Matt Lahey had the other goal for the Lakers on a late first period power play.

Thomas Kiriakou and Nathane Martine had the other goals for the Gryphons.

With the loss, the Lakers drop to 6-5-1 on the season.

Their next game is back in North Bay next Friday when they host Waterloo on Friday night and Laurier on Saturday night.

More details soon...