Lakers Hockey earn big points to keep pace

The Nipissing Lakers hockey team took home three big points out of a possible four in two tough games, playing the speedy UQTR Patriotes and the powerful McGill Redmen in OUA hockey action this past weekend. The team also picked up some powerful good vibes from Nipissing alumna Holly Garnett, who cheered loud and proud for the Lakers against McGill, even though she’s currently earning a PhD in Political Science from McGill.
On Friday night against UQTR in Trois Rivieres, the Lakers stormed back from a 3-1 deficit to score three goals in the third period and earn the 4-3 victory. Marcus Watson popped two goals, while Scott Restoule and Dan Watt each netted a single.

Lakers goaltender Dan Spence had a very busy night, as the Lakers were outshot 43-28.

On Saturday against McGill in Montreal, the Lakers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second period thanks to goals by Brogan Bailey, Dan Watt and Kevin Rebelo.  

Garnett was cheering wildly for her alma mater, of course.  

“The other fans were quite reserved, but when they realized that there was a hard-core Lakers fan in the crowd, it kind of egged them on.  At one point, the marlot (mascot) came up and was playfully trying to steal my signs and block me from cheering. It was all in good fun though,” she said.

Unfortunately for the Lakers and for Garnett, the high-octane McGill team responded to tie the game and send it to a shootout, from which McGill emerged victorious.

Spence turned back 35 shots in net again for the Lakers.

The three points earned over the weekend put the Lakers record at 7-1-3, good for second place in the OUA East division, one point back of McGill (8-0-2). 

They return to Memorial Gardens this weekend to take on the Concordia Stingers (5-3-2) on Friday night, and the Carleton Ravens (6-3-0) on Saturday night.