After improving every year of their four since joining the OUA, the Lakers enter this season with one goal in mind and the coaching staff feels they have the pieces to make a legitimate run at a title.
The yearly climb up the OUA standing has been encouraging for the program. In 2016/17, the team reached new heights by being ranked consistently ranked nationally. The season ended with a loss in the championship, but if things going according to the script they have written so far, this could and should be the year.
The team boasts a solid returning core, with key players in all positions returning to the blue and green, along with an impressive group of rookies and continued development up and down the roster.
Last year, the Lakers ranked fifth in goals-for and second in goals-against – two areas that led them to the OUA Finals against Guelph.
While their roster in 2016-17 impressed many, they may have actually improved their depth and skill at almost every position, adding a number of provincial team players, along with players who have represented Canada at different levels.
The season begins for the Lakers this weekend, with a pair of home games to kick things off. Friday, Nipissing hosts the Western Mustangs and Saturday, the Windsor Lancers are the opponent. Both games are set for 4:30 pm at Memorial Gardens.
(With files from Nipissing University Athletics)
