Lakers blank Ridgebacks

Lakers goalie Billy Stone surveys the action. Photo by Jordan Allard.

In their final pre-season game the Nipissing Lakers picked up their first win, as they drubbed the UOIT Ridgebacks 5-0 this afternoon at the Memorial Gardens.

The Lakers will open up their season Friday night at home against the Ryerson Rams at 7 p.m. before heading out on the road for two exhibition games against Michigan Tech (Oct. 1st) and Northern Michigan (Oct. 2nd)

Lakers head coach Mike McParland was happy for his players to establish some positive momentum heading into the season - even if it was against a weaker opponent.

"It's good for our guys to get a little confidence going into the season," explained McParland.

"They (UOIT) weren't as tough as the other competition we faced last weekend, but we played well and could have scored even more goals if it weren't for some nice saves from their goalies."

Ryan Maunu broke out of his slump in a big way - scoring two goals and assisting on two others.

Maunu attributed his success to not over thinking the game, as well as some chemistry with his line mates Andrew Marcoux and Sam Hopewell.

"I tried to relax and not put so much pressure on myself," said Maunu.

"I let the game come to me today and things worked out well. And playing with Marcoux and Hopewell is always fun. We know each other well."

Hopewell, Brodie Beard, and Dorian Peca picked up the other goals, while Matt Hache (seven saves) and Billy Stone (23 saves) combined in the crease for the shutout.

The Lakers started the game strong and Hopewell opened up the scoring at the 4:34 mark of the opening period when he ripped a slap shot from just outside the left faceoff circle top shelf.

Maunu would double the lead late in the period - thanks to a nice break.

From behind the net, he banked the puck off Ridgebacks' goaltender Jason Guy's pads and into the net.

The Lakers would out shoot the Ridgebacks 17-5 in the first stanza.

Early into the second period the Lakers would add another goal when Beard snuck in from the point and beat Guy glove side to make it 3-0.

Maunu provided the put-away goal just over a minute into the third period - as, with the Lakers down two men, he converted on a breakaway by tucking in a backhand.

Peca rounded out the scoring when he tapped a great feed from Brogan Bailey into the gaping cage.

Game Notes:

- Former Toronto Maple Leafs, Oakland Seals, and Detriot Red Wings defenceman Bobby Baun traveled to the game with the Ridgebacks and was honored before puckdrop. Baun was a member of the last Maple Leafs team to win the Stanley Cup back in 1967.

- Lakers captain Matt Lahey is expected to be in the lineup in their opener versus Ryerson

- The Lakers expect to announce cuts some time during the week