The Nipissing Lakers varsity men's hockey team was looking for a good start but the Mike McParland squad that lost in the OUA East play-in playoff game to Laurier in February 2024 fell 3-1 in their home opener against the visiting McGill Redbirds.
In the opening frame, the Redbirds had the jump early on, outshooting and out-chancing the Lakers and were finally rewarded.
A shot from distance was redirected in front of the Nipissing net by Redbirds forward Mathieu Gagnon and found its way in, putting McGill up 1-0 shortly after the midway mark of the period.
Despite late pressure from the Lakers and a number of power play chances, the first period ended 1-0 in favour of the Redbirds.
Midway through the middle frame, the Lakers pulled even with a goal on the rush.
Midway though the second period, on a partial 3-on-1, Max Griffioen made a nice drop pass to Chad Denault who made no mistake, firing a shot over the McGill goalie’s blocker to tie things at 1-1.
A busy second came to an end with the teams all tied up at one, with the shots favouring McGill 31-19.
With the score deadlocked at a goal apiece to begin the third period, McGill regained their lead thanks to a power play marker by Maxime Pellerin just over five minutes into the frame.
A late push wasn’t enough as the Redbirds added an empty-netter by Xavier Bouchard to put the game away and skate away with a 3-1 win.
Zach Roy was outstanding for the Lakers, finishing with 54 saves, while Nipissing had 26 shots of their own.
Nipissing closes out the weekend Saturday facing the UQTR Patriotes.
Puck drop is set for 4 p.m. at the Gardens.
