The Laker boys’ hockey team suffered a loss at home against the Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres, falling 5-2 on Thursday night. Shaun Paulson recorded a hat trick for the Sabres, helping Sartell improve their record to 11-8-1 for the season.
The Lakers gave up one goal in both the first and second periods and trailed 2-0 going into the third. DL’s Easton Kennedy cut the deficit in half with a power-play goal at the 2:27 mark of the third period. However, the Sabres quickly responded with two more goals, stretching their lead to 4-1. The Lakers continued to fight back, as Carter Whitworth scored at the 14:07 mark, reducing the deficit to two goals. The Sabres sealed the victory when Brayden Klande scored an empty-net goal with just 22 seconds remaining. Klande also provided three assists during the game.
Sartell’s Adam Holien played well in net for the Sabres, making 26 saves, while DL’s Griffin Lindberg showcased several highlight-reel saves for the Lakers.
This loss brings the Lakers’ record to 8-10-2 for the season, including a 5-3-1 record in Central Lakes Conference games. The Lakers will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host the defending state champions, St. Cloud Cathedral, with puck drop scheduled for 2 PM.