Lakers Take Win at Iroquois Park, Series Knotted at a Game A Piece

Through the first two games of this semi final series between the Lakers and Redmen it is becoming evident, not much separates them. The Redmen won the first game 11-10 at Peterborough and the Lakers returned the favour with a tight defensive 6-5 win at Iroquois Park last night. 

Despite the weather dampening the plans for an outdoor tailgate party, the atmosphere inside the rink felt like typically exciting playoff hype. A sizable contingent of Lakers fans made the trip south on Highway 35/115 to cheer on their team.

Redmen coach Derek Keenan decided to go with Zach Higgins in net while Mike Hasen on the other bench gave the nod to his veteran Matt Vinc, as it turned out both goalies proved their coaches right with solid performances.

The Redmen as in game one, opened the scoring and by the end of the first period the teams were tied at 3-3, including a last second goal from Curtis Knight with Higgins watching from the bench. 

The defensive display continued in the second with the Lakers taking that frame by a score of 2-1 for a 5-4 lead after forty minutes. The middle period also saw a flurry of penalties called by Ian Garrison and Josh Hiltz, neither team was able to capitalize on their extra man chances (0 for 4 for the Lakers, 0 for 6 for the Redmen). One of the Lakers transgressions in the second was an inexplicable decision by a Laker player to leave the box with seven seconds remaining in his original penalty, he was hauled back and had two minutes tacked on for delay of game. 

The Lakers opened the lead to 6-4 with just under half the period to go. The Redmen battled valiantly but, other than a ray of hope at 13:49 with a goal from Dan Lintner, could get no closer and took the 6-5 loss. Scorers for the Redmen were Ryan MacSpadyen, Ryan Keenan, Curtis Knight, Austin Shanks and Lintner. Shots on net were recorded as 43 for the Lakers and 41 for the Redmen. 

The teams will now get to enjoy the August long weekend and resume the series on Tuesday August 8 at Peterborough and Thursday August 10 at Iroquois Park. The Ontario Lacrosse Festival invades Durham Region this weekend and all next week, a big crowd is expected Thursday night with teams from across Canada competing in the PeeWee and Midget National Championships.