It was a heartbreaking end to the season for the Nipissing Lakers mens hockey team in 2023-24.
Sitting with a record of 10-6-3-2 with just six games remaining on the schedule, they were in a playoff position before losing their final six games of the regular season, forcing them into a play-in game against Wilfred Laurier for the sixth and final playoff seed in the West division. During that game, the Lakers led 3-1 in the third, Laurier tied the game mid-way through the period. The Lakers regained the lead with about five minutes left in regulation, before Laurier tied the game again, on a power play goal with 7 seconds left on the clock. The Golden Hawks then scored in overtime to end the Lakers season, missing out on the playoffs for a second straight year.
Despite the narrow miss, this was a big step forward for a team that has gone through some transitioning over the last two seasons. This was their most wins in a season in a full 28 game schedule since they went 12-12-3-1 in 2015-16. Playing a big role in that transition is local product Payton Vescio.
The North Bay native is coming off his best individual season in the OUA with 22 points in 27 games, and was given the Lakers Athletics Leckie Award (awarded annually in honour of Jack and Kelowna Leckie to the defenceman on the Nipissing University Men's Hockey Team who best combines academic excellence and a high standard of play). Vescio has now emerged as a leader both on and off the ice. Reflecting on last year, Vescio says, "It was tough not making the playoffs, but we fought for every second, and I’m proud of the guys and how we battled.” Vescio says he and his teammates, are laser-focused on making a deep playoff run, and he thinks the group has what it takes. “We don't want that same result this year. I believe we have a strong group of players this year and we want to compete for one of the top spots in our conference.”
Vescio’s development has not gone unnoticed by Head Coach Mike McParland, who praised his defensive and offensive game. "Payton has developed into a very good two-way defender over his three years here," McParland says. "It was a disappointment he wasn’t named an OUA All-Star last season, but his contribution, particularly as the quarterback of the highest scoring power play in the West division, speaks volumes."
In recognition of his growth and leadership, Vescio has been named an Assistant Captain this season, a role that McParland says he’s more than ready for. "His motivation to make the team better, especially in helping new players feel comfortable, speaks to his maturity. We're excited to see how he continues to develop."
"Coach Mike has taught me leadership, discipline, and mental toughness," Vescio says. "His guidance has helped me grow both as a hockey player and as a person. He’s shown me how to become more disciplined on the ice and within my daily life. Learning how to be mentally tough when things do not go my way, and when things get tough, to just keep working hard. "
Vescio has now had the unique opportunity to play both his Major Junior and his post-secondary hockey career in his hometown. He was drafted in the fourth round (#72 overall) by the North Bay Battalion in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection out of the North Bay Trappers program. He spent a year with the Powassan Voodoos of the NOJHL (the North Bay Battalion’s affiliate team) and then played in 27 games with the Troops before being traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League and played there until the end of the 2019-2020 season, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. He came back to North Bay and started playing for the Lakers at the beginning of the 2021-2022 season.
“The jump from the OHL to the OUA was an easy transition for me. In my first year, my teammates and coaching staff were able to give me lots of help and advice both on the ice and in school that made my jump seamless. Being able to live at home in my first year helped a lot as well. Being able to play in my hometown has been great,” he shares. “It means my family, friends, and girlfriend can support me and the team at every home game.”
Vescio also trained in town this offseason with well-known strength and conditioning coach Danny Gosselin.
“We discussed what I did well and where I could improve, then built a training program around that,” says Vescio. “Training consisted of a mixture of agility, weightlifting, mobility, and cardio. I am hoping to improve in all areas of my game this season and continue to build on last season.”
Vescio also credits his teammates for his ability to round out his game. "They did a great job of giving me the confidence to play at a high level." As his responsibilities increased, so did his performance. "The coaching staff trusted me in big moments, and I just tried to play to the best of my abilities."
With Vescio running things from the blue line, Harrison Caines has become a pivotal focal point of the offense up front. Caines had 11 points in his first season to 17 and 35 over his next two years. Caines and Vescio have been teammates at two stages of their hockey careers now as Caines was also drafted by the Battalion and, following his Major Junior career, found his way back to North Bay as a member of the Lakers.
"I've had the privilege of playing with Harrison at both the Major Junior and USport levels now," Vescio says. "He’s a hard worker on the ice and a great leader off it especially with our first-year players. He gives it 100% all the time in practice and in games and that rubs off on everyone else. "
For Vescio, there’s much more to playing for the Lakers than just hockey. "I love that I can play hockey at a high level while getting a good education. Going to the rink and being around my teammates and friends is something I look forward to every day," he says.
With a strong group of returning players, including Vescio, the Lakers are focused on pushing past last year's near miss and securing a playoff spot in 2024-25.
