This past week saw us take a hard-fought, emotional victory, beating Duluth 7-1 to start off the week.
We honoured our late assistant coach, Bob Mainville, with a brief ceremony prior to the game and the team played one of our better offensive games in recent memory.
At times we looked sloppy and played to the other team’s level. But when we needed to, we rose to the task to get the job done.
Coming off a week of two wins and a loss, it was good to start the week off in good fashion as we are starting to get national recognition. The Lakers received an honourable mention in the CJHL’s list of the top 20 teams in the country.
Last Friday then came and we knew it would be a tough match against the 4-1 Fort William North Stars, but we were ready for the task. For the better part of two-and-a-half periods, we played a great hockey game, matching them stride-for-stride and hemming them in their own end.
Through two periods and with about seven minutes left in the game, we just got done killing off a five-on-three power play and then three mental mistakes cost us the hockey game.
They were three mistakes we review all the time—and three mistakes that happen in games and are easy to correct.
Fort William tied the game because of a turnover through the middle of the ice—something we try not to do every game—and not having a third man high backchecking.
The North Stars then went ahead in the game because of a turnover through the middle and our winger at the blueline not paying the price to get the puck out.
They got their insurance goal because of a bad decision on a pinch by our defenceman and not taking the man. Fort William got a two-on-one and eventually a breakaway to score.
These are all things we will need to improve on, and live and learn from our mistakes.
But as a team, we cannot dwell on the game. Rather, we have to move forward because we have three games on the road this week.
First, we will play tonight (Oct. 13) against the Dryden Ice Dogs—a team we have had some good games against already this season. Then on Saturday, we are back up against the first-place North Stars in their barn, which will be a big test for our hockey team to see how we can rebound against them.
Lastly, on Sunday, we match up against Duluth—a team we will not be able to take lightly as they play well at home and have proved themselves early in the season.
We will continue our road warrior mentality the following week as we head to Spooner, Wis. for the league showcase tournament, where all six teams will be competing in which we hope to attract scouts from the NHL, NCAA Div. I and III schools, the OHL, CIS, and USHL.
Spooner is putting on a great weekend and all teams will compete in two games. We will play Duluth and Fort William at noon on Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23, respectively.
Fans, mark Tuesday, Oct. 26 on your calendar as we return home to play the Dryden Ice Dogs. Then we will play the Sioux Lookout Flyers on Thursday, Oct. 28.
• • •
Forward Mike Jourdain has left the team, asking to play somewhere else.
We are in current conversations with some possible destinations for Mike to pursue his junior career, but are awaiting an answer from the Jourdain family on what Mike wants to do.
I will keep fans updated as this transaction plays out.
• • •
For those fans still looking for a “400 Club” ticket, we have a few still available. You can buy them from board members or at every home game.
With our string of home games to start the season coming to an end, we would like to thank all the fans who have supported us thus far.
The players always are excited to play in front of a lot of fans and the season attendance has been great.
We ask that you don’t forget about us as we will be out on the road for the next two weeks, and will continue to work hard to entertain our crowds upon our return.
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