Lakers forward Kevin Rebelo takes a draw at centre ice after the Mustangs late 2nd period goal. Photo by Chris Dawson. The Nipissing Lakers began their 2010-11 season Saturday afternoon against the powerhouse Western Mustangs.
Lakers forward Kevin Rebelo takes a draw at centre ice after the Mustangs late 2nd period goal. Photo by Chris Dawson.
The Nipissing Lakers began their 2010-11 season Saturday afternoon against the powerhouse Western Mustangs. With a boisterous home crowd on hand, the Lakers showed that the upcoming season will be a team loaded with talent and 'sandpaper', despite losing close 4-3 game.
In the first frame, Brogan Bailey was able to get the home side on the board early, scoring 2:35 into the game on a miscue by the Mustangs defenceman. Early and often, the Lakers were buzzing around the Western zone, but were only able to solve Mustangs goalie Anthony Greico once. After the first period, the shots were not indicative of play, as Mustangs were able to muster 17 shots on goalie Matt Hache, to Nipissing's 12.
In the second period, the visiting Mustangs were able to strike even, when Josh McQuaide snapped home a high short-side shot on the helpless Lakers goaltender. With the game becoming a bit chippy between both squads, the Lakers were able to take advantage of a 5 on 3 powerplay, as newcomer Lucas McKinley was able to stuff home a rebound at 7:37 of the second period. With the Lakers controlling much of the second period, the savvy veteran Mustangs were able to strike with 20 seconds remaining in the second period, with a nifty passing play finished by Keaton Turkiewicz.
In the third period, the Lakers came out and quickly regained the lead as another newcomer-- Dorian Peca jammed home a rebound on the powerplay to put the locals up 3-2. The lead would be short lived, as the Mustangs roared back 2 minutes later on a beautiful cycling display which allowed Mustangs forward -- Yashar Farmanara to fire home the puck into the yawning cage.
Now with the two teams tied 3-3, things went from good to bad in a hurry, as Lakers goaltender Kyle Cantlon dislocated his shoulder on a seemingly innocent play, which subsequently sent the 2nd year goalie to the dressing room.
The Lakers looked to regain the lead, and had a plethora of chances but were turned time-and-time again by former USA World Junior goaltender, Josh Unice. Unice stoned Lakers forward Dan Watt with a desperation save that resulted in Watt hitting the Mustangs goaltender in the mask.
With the Mustangs getting timely goaltending, the Purple Mustangs quickly supplied their goalie with a lead on a beautiful 3-way passing play, with Steve Reese eventually tapping home the back-door feed.
"Tonight's game looked anything but an exhibition game. We had plenty of nice powerplay situations, and we were able to see good hits--good saves and good combo's," stated Head-Coach Mike McParland
The game featured the opportunity for Coach McParland and his staff to see where his team stacks up against one of the most dominating CIS Hockey programs in the country.
"There is reason for optimism, as we competed with a top team in our league," said McParland
As with any exhibition games, coaches are granted the opportunity to see how their new players fair against opposing rosters, and this game was no different. As the Lakers bench boss came away very happy with his 2010-11 recruiting class.
"(Lucas)McKinley was a force all night, and he brings size. (Conor) O'Donnell brings a ton of sandpaper and likes to finish his checks," stated the second-year OUA head coach.
The Lakers were able to control most of the game, and came out strong against the established Mustang squad. The Pink Lakers (Real Men Wear Pink game) were able to play a well-rounded team first game, and demonstrated their ability to compete with a top tiered team.
"We came out strong, and played well as a team. We started moving the puck, and we were able to show a lot of chemistry throughout the game," stated Lakers centre, Ryan Maunu.
"The game showed us we're a step ahead of where we were last year as a team, and we have the ability to come out of the East (division)."
