In their first playoff game ever, the Innisfil Lakers took an early lead over the Richmond Hill Rams, finishing the first period 2-1.
With one of the strongest offenses in the league, the Lakers stayed a step ahead of the Rams, finishing the second period at 4-2 and sealing it in the final period with a decisive 6-3 home ice victory. It was a fast, competitive game, that felt much closer than it was for coach Todd Miller.
“This is a tough series,” said Miller. “(The Rams) are a hard working team that have beat some strong teams.”
Despite out shooting the Rams 56-36 in the first game, Richmond Hill shouldn’t be taken lightly said General Manager Dan Garneau.
“Richmond Hill is a very underrated team,” said Garneau. “I would place them higher than sixth. You can’t overlook any team.” The Rams finished regular season play in sixth place with the Lakers placing third, just three points behind the Temiscaming Royals.
The team to beat for the top spot is the Bradford Rattlers who normally lose only one or two games a season. This year, one of their losses came late in the year, when the Lakers triumphed 10-7 in regular season play. It was the fourth time the teams had met, with the Lakers gaining ground each time. Their first match ended 4-0, the second 2-1 in overtime, and the third 4-3. In the fourth match, the Lakers laid down everything they had.
“We used up all our energy against Bradford,” said Garneau, adding that they lost to weaker teams afterwards.
But using all they had to beat the Rams is only part of the equation. In order to make up for lost games from earlier in the season, the Lakers played nine games in thirteen nights. Not only was it hectic, but by the end of it, players were getting sick and falling prey to injuries.
“Some games we played with thirteen players,” said Garneau.
Unfortunately, hockey rosters aren’t immune to the flu bugs that have been flattening the general population. The recent bout of sickness worked its way through the entire team and coaching staff.
“Thank God we had a bye in the first round,” said Miller, who was still fighting the flu at the game. “We needed some rest and some time.” He says they were getting their legs back on Sunday night after giving the team four days off.
In terms of their expectations for the playoffs, Miller says the team appears to be in a good position. “The Lakers are the only team that completes with them (Bradford). The boys really want it bad. We have a real chance of winning the league.”
At the start of the season, the Lakers came together in just four weeks Add the re-scheduling of many early season home games and it’s been a tough first year. But the experience has made the team stronger, Miller said.
“If it wasn’t for the adversity, we had a good chance of placing first (in the league),” he said, “but now it doesn’t matter what the situation, I know the guys can go out and win.”
One player who’s no stranger to adversity is 17-year-old left-winger Phil Grainger. Despite suffering from the flu and having had his cast removed from a broken wrist that morning, Grainger pitched in with two goals and two assists Sunday night.
“I was ready to play,” said Grainger, “I didn’t let it (being sick) bother me.” He also didn’t think about his healing wrist during the game.
Grainger recently visited Ohio State University for a recruiting trip and is the first Laker to tour at a Division One school. He still has two years of high school left but already has hopes for a U.S. scholarship.
“It was pretty sweet,” he said of the trip. “It would be the life down there.”
Another major scout attended Sunday’s game, who Garneau says was impressed with the level of play. He showed particular interest in forward Connor Hendry and two other 16-year-old players.
Coach Miller recognizes the depth in the Lakers bench as one of their strengths.
“Some teams use one or two lines all game, last night (Sunday) we used four lines for the entire game.”
The affect of Grainger’s trip to Ohio really shows in his game, and he was arguably one of the best players on the ice Sunday.
While he’d like to go pro or play in Europe eventually, he wants to have fun for now, and according to him, playing for the Lakers is the most fun he’s ever had (playing hockey).
“The guys are really respectful and we get along really well. Even though we came together quick and we’re pretty new, we’ve got a good chance of winning the league. We can be the top team for sure.”
The Lakers play tonight and Richmond Hill and come back for the third game of the series on Friday, March 7 at the Innisfil Recreation Centre. Start time is 7:30 p.m.
Today's Weather 
Clear and 14°C
Clear and 14°C
