Lakers thump York

NORTH YORK, ON. - The Nipissing Lakers are an OUA expansion team but someone seemed to forget to tell the Lakers players and coaches this weekend.

The fledgling OUA club won its second straight game at a OUA four-team pre-season tourney in Toronto, this time blasting York University in the tournament final 8-4.

Tyler Riel and Ryan Maunu led the Lakers attack with 2 goals each. Sean Ryan, John Quarrie, Josh McKinnon and Justin Dicks had the other goals for the Lakers.

The squad opened with a tight 2-1 victory over the U of T Varsity Blues on Saturday to set the table for the Sunday afternoon final against York. That leaves the Lakers with a rather impressive 2-0-1 record heading into the season opener at home against Queen's on Friday night.

For head coach Mike McParland the pre-season success has been a very pleasant surprise.

"I certainly wasn't expecting this, it unfortunately takes element of surprise out now,” McParland said about Queen's taking the Lakers too lightly next week.

"We were quicker than I thought we would be. The York 'D' just couldn't move with us."

McParland added that they challenged the players to be better despite the first win in team history on Saturday. He felt the team played a little more "free" on the road is how he described it.

"We plugged in 5 new guys and we didn't miss a beat," said McParland.

The Lakers also played effectively in all three zones according to McParland.

Goalie Matt Hache got the win for the Lakers going the distance.