The Nipissing University Lakers are giving North Bay Hockey fans two great hockey games for the price of one on January 23 at Memorial Gardens.

With the cost of a regular game ticket, fans can watch the Lakers drive for the playoffs against the Queen’s University Gaels at 5 p.m. followed up by a high skill, high tempo women’s showcase game featuring the Nipissing Lady Lakers vs the Ryerson University Stingers in the first university women’s hockey game played in North Bay.

The women’s game will start at the conclusion of the men’s game.  Start time is estimated at 7 p.m. for the women’s game.

“We’re really excited to be offering our fans this terrific opportunity to see some of the best men and women hockey players in the area,” said Al McDonald, president of hockey operations for Lakers hockey.  “I believe fans will really enjoy the women’s game.  Women’s hockey has really evolved in recent years, more and more girls and women are playing at a very high level. It’s an excellent brand of skilled hockey.”

“This is a great chance for us to show North Bay what we can do,” said Lady Lakers captain Holly Ogram “We’ve got a good group of women on the team, there are some excellent players, and we have a lot of fun playing.  We are all looking forward to putting on a show for the fans at Memorial Gardens.”

“The university is very pleased that we can showcase the women’s team in this game,” said Vito Castiglione, manager of sports and recreation at Nipissing University.  “These athletes are very talented and dedicated to their sport.  They typically have to travel to play games so it will be special for them to play at home in front of their fans.”

Currently, Nipissing’s Lady Lakers hockey team plays outside of the Ontario University Athletics league.  They play in tournaments and challenge games throughout Ontario. Nipissing University provides funding for the team’s ice time for practices and games. There are 20 women on the team.  The team has been playing for four years. 

Tickets for the double-header are available at Memorial Gardens box office; tickets cost $11 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors, and $5.50 for children 12 and under (GST included).