Late Redmen goal sinks Lakers

MONTREAL, QC - The Nipissing Lakers built up a 3-1 3rd period lead only to see the McGill Redmen battle back with 3 unanswered goals including the game winner at 16:38 of the 3rd period as the Lakers dropped a 4-3 decision at McConnell arena Saturday night.

The Lakers stayed in the game, and took a 3-1 lead in the 3rd despite being penalized 8-1 on the night including a long 5 on 3 in the first period.

The Lakers hadn't allowed a power play goal until Redmen forward Mathieu Pompei's game winner - his 2nd of the game - which went off a player in front and past a surprised Dan Spence for the eventual game winner.

Down 1-0 after 20 minutes, the Lakers responded with a strong middle frame including goals by Grant Toulmin and Kevin Rebelo.

Vern Cooper gave the Lakers a 3-1 lead at the 8:15 mark before Trevor Braun scored a pair just over 2 minutes apart to even the contest at 3-3.

"The guys fought and played hard but we weren't able to fend them off," said Lakers head coach Mike McParland.

"It was a good bounce back effort after the way we played Friday against Concordia."

The loss including Friday's to Concordia, leaves the Lakers with a 7-8 record good for 6th spot in the tight OUA East - only 4 back of the 3rd place Ottawa Gee Gee's.

The Lakers finish off the first half of the season with a pair of key home dates; Friday a rare 8:15 start (due to Christmas Walk) and Saturday they host the Ottawa Gee Gee's (7 pm).