Lakers Hockey gears up for another exciting season
It's about a month until the Nipissing Lakers hockey programs – both men and women – hit the ice for the 2015-16 season.The men are coming off another playoff appearance; their sixth straight. The women are looking to continue their climb up the OUA standings and qualify for the playoffs for the second time in their three year history.
Both teams, thanks to a solid returning group and skilled new recruits are poised for big campaigns.
The schedules have been finalized, the ticket prices are locked in and the Lakers are ready to make some noise.
Both teams begin their respective seasons the first weekend of October as the women host their northern rivals, the Laurentian Voyageurs at 4 p.m. and the men take on the RMC Paladins immediately afterwards, at 7 p.m.
Lakers women's head coachDarren Turcotte said his team has made strides in the right direction the past two years and they're looking to do the same this season.
"Our team progressed very well from year one to year two and now we're going to look for a big jump in our third year," he said. "Making the playoffs for the first time was a big accomplishment, but it was just the beginning of bigger things to come."
The men's head coach,Mike McParland, is excited about his group and is planning to not only keep the streak of playoff appearances alive, but also put together a long post-season run.
"We have always qualified for the playoffs and we don't plan on that changing, but we're hoping for a long run once we get there," he said. "Our team has a good mix of size, skills, grit and depth to contend in not only our division, but the entire OUA."
On top of the home openers, which are bound to draw a good crowd, there are also a few highlight games to circle on the calendar.
For the men, the home opener is also military appreciation night, where the Lakers honour the armed forces.
On Nov. 21, both programs will host their Pink in the Rink game, in support of breast cancer research. The game will see the teams wear pink jerseys, which are auctioned off, there will be a silent auction as well as prizes and more excitement throughout both games.
The teams will play eight double-headers, with the women getting things going in the first game, followed by the men. This is a great opportunity to see both teams on the same night.
And we're offering a special deal this year; a gameday ticket that, for $10, gets you into both games on the same night. You won't find a better deal, so make sure you take advantage.
Both teams will close out their home schedule on Feb. 6 and will wrap up their season the next weekend on the road before beginning playoffs.
Unfortunately this year Lakers Hockey will not be offering season's tickets, however, we will be offering free admission to all four exhibition games – two women's and two men's. All we ask is that you bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Nipissing University Student Food Bank.
The first exhibition game for the women's team will take place on Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. against York Lions, while the men's first pre-season game is scheduled for Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. versus the Laurentian Voyageurs.
The Men's full schedule is posted here;http://www.nulakers.ca/schedule.aspx?path=mhockey
The Women's full schedule is posted here;http://www.nulakers.ca/schedule.aspx?path=whockey
The new prices are Adult - $10; Students - $5 with valid student ID; Seniors - $7; Alumni/Faculty/Staff - $7 with valid NU ID; Children under 12 - $5; Children 2 and under – Free.
For more information, please check outwww.nulakers.ca?