Lakers Lose Fourth To Open Season

The Wallaceburg Lakers’ early season struggles continued Wednesday, as the Lakers lost their first home game to the Alvinston Flyers 6-4. Wallaceburg showed a drastic improvement in the game, fighting hard until the end, falling just short of a comeback.

Michigan resident and veteran Lakers defenseman Ryan Chovich opened the scoring in the game, with assists going to newcomer Ryan Gruszka and Robert Danyo. Gruszka was playing in his first game with the Lakers and immediately had an offensive impact. The Belle River resident, scored 23 points in 28 games last year with the Windsor Spitfires Major Midget AAA team after being a late cut of the Blenheim Blades.

Danyo, another first year Laker, comes from Trenton, Michigan, and brings a variety of Junior hockey experience to the Lakers from leagues in Michigan. Through four games, Danyo and Gruska lead the Lakers in scoring with three points each.

After Chovich’s goal, Alvinston’s Tyler Kettler scored his first of the game to tie the score.

In the second period, Kettler finished off his hat trick scoring twice more, while Dan Warner, and Joe Archer each scored to put the Flyers ahead 5-1 heading into the third.

Needing immediate offense, Wallaceburg captain Scott Lubbers got his team going, scoring early in the third with assists coming from 16-year-old defenseman Mike Zottl, and Evan Weidenback.

After Sam Vokes scored again for Alvinston to make it 6-1, Danyo and Gruszka attempted to pull the Lakers to the comeback. Danyo scored twice, with Gruszka assisting on both goals, and Justin Whitson also picking up an assist.

The effort however, wasn’t enough, as time ran out on the Lakers, who dropped their fourth straight, losing 6-4 to Alvinston.

Wallaceburg now has a week off before the host the Belle River Canadiens Wednesday, September 25.