The Nipissing Lakers fought back but felt some overtime heartbreak on Wednesday night as Alex Stothart's goal at 15:59 of overtime gave the visiting Queen's Gaels a 4-3 overtime victory of the Lakers at Memorial Gardens.
It was game one of the best-of-three series with game two and three (if necessary) to take place at Queen's.
Former Battalion forward Brett Hargrave helped the Lakers force overtime as he netted the equalizer in the final minute of play in the third period.
Deverick Ottereyes opened the scoring in the first period at the nine-minute mark. However, Duncan Campbell scored the tying goal at 15:59 of the first period.
Slater Doggett had the lone goal of the second period to give the visitors a 2-1 lead after two periods of play.
Brett Jeffries evened the score near the midway point of the third period.
Just over a minute later Eric Ming scored what the Gaels were hoping would be the game winner.
The Lakers now have to re-focus in hopes of winning both game three and four in Kingston later this week. Game two of the series will take place in Kingston on Friday.
