There’s a fine line between winning and losing in the OUA.
The Nipissing Lakers men’s hockey team knows this all too well, as they are just two days away from opening up the 2016-17 hockey season on home ice.
The Lakers made it seven for seven this past season when they qualified for the post-season yet again, however, another first round exit had the team wanting more and now they’re back, reloaded and ready to go.
While they did lose a few key players who were key contributors, their roster is mostly intact and maybe improved with the skilled players they have brought in over the summer.
Not only skilled players, but also role players that will do their part and be able to pull in the same direction.
Forwards
Looking at the returning players up front, Colin Campbell, Erik Robichaud, Joel Herbert, Chad Thibodeau, Guillaume Naud and Craig Campbell will all be relied upon heavily to not only score, but also lead.
Robichaud and Colin Campbell were the top goal scorers, as well as point-getters for Nipissing in 2015-16.
Their role will not change and they’ll need to be just as good, if not better, than they were last year for this team to compete.
In terms of depth, Nipissing should be pretty deep up front.
On top of the names mentioned above, Jacob Conrad and Jacob McDowell, Cody Gratton and Brock Morrison can all contribute in a number of ways and will be key for the team moving forward, as they may get favourable matchups, if the other teams focus on the team’s ‘top six.’
Newcomers Danny Desrochers, Jeremy Butterworth, Deverick Ottereyes and Brett Jeffries have all just come off very good junior hockey careers and will infuse some fresh blood into the lineup.
With Desrochers and Butterworth, speed and skill are the name of the game, while Ottereyes brings a physical presence that can put the puck in the net and Jeffries can play in all situations and competes everywhere on the ice.
A combination of highend skilled forwards, gritty checkers and role players, the Lakers will be able to put out 12 forwards every game who can get the job done.
Defence
The old cliché that the best defence is a good offence isn’t wrong, but securing your own end is important as well – obviously.
The Lakers, much like up front, have a solid blend of speed, skill, grit and defensive prowess on the blueline.
Led by veterans Brendan Mitchell and Mitch McNeill, the Lakers should be secure when the puck is in their own end.
Sam Gleason, as well as Harrison Harper provide stability defensively, while third year defender Jimmy McDowell has a great shot from the blueline and likes to jump into the rush and join the attack.
He had 10 points in just 15 games last season, missing half the year due to injury.
Freshmen Adam Clements had a great run with the Trenton Golden Hawks as a co-captain, using his speed and shot to impress offensively from the blueline.
While he’s no slouch in his own end, he’s a player that will thrive on the powerplay and jumping into the rush.
Goaltending
Second year goalie Domenic Graham will likely be the team’s starter for the season, but will be pushed by newcomer Talor Joseph and Jeremy Pominville, who played for the Lakers in 2014-15.
Graham had a few stellar outings last season, but with veteran Kirk Rafuse in net, Graham’s workload wasn’t very heavy.
Joseph comes to the Lakers from out west, having played for the Grant MacEwan Griffins of the ACAC after graduating from the SJHL.
His size and use of angles will give the Lakers a solid trio, as Pominville was steady during his time a few seasons ago, along with a great junior career in the NOJHL.
There likely won’t be one player who makes the difference in the season, but there could be a different hero each night and it’s that mentality that’s going to make Nipissing tough to beat.
With Ottawa back in the mix in the East Division, the Lakers will have to be even better than they were last year if they want to put together a post-season run.
But before the post-season run can be the focus, a solid start – Friday and Saturday versus Concordia – and a consistent regular season is the mission.
The reloaded Lakers will be on the ice for a pair of home games this weekend, hosting the Stingers Friday and Saturday night at Memorial Gardens.
Puck-drop for both games will be 7:15 p.m.