The Lockport Regals of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League began a new era at their new home in Lockport, NY last evening as they hosted the first ever GOJHL game at the Cornerstone Arena. The visiting Hamilton Kilty B’s rode into town, still stinging from a home opening shutout loss at the hands of the Pelham Panthers and seeking redemption. When asked before the game how the Regals looks, Head Coach Jamie Peters stated “The boys are a bit nervous but they are anxious to play”.
Nerves may have gotten the best of the team however as Hamilton would snuff out plans for an opening night victory as the Regals went down in a 7-2 loss.
Hamilton came out strong in the first period and registered all 3 goals in the period. The Regals did mount a valiant comeback midway through the second period as Alex Stinis and Tim Lopez scored within a minute apart and just like that it was 3-2. Hamilton came back late with another goal and the period ended 4-2. It was all Hamilton in the 3rd period as they lit the lamp 3 more times and skated off with a 7-2 victory.
“We have to work smarter without the puck, especially in our zone” stated Coach Bird. “We played well at times but we have to work hard all 3 periods in this league; It’s a great league”. Assistant Coach Geoff Peters added “the boys worked hard but we have to play smarter in our zone. The give aways make a difference”.
The Regals get a chance for redemption of their own as they travel to Thorold, Ontario this evening with the thought of spoiling the Blackhawks season opener in a 7:07pm start. Thorold comes off the preseason at 1-5 having been outscored 20-14. Leading the way for the Blackhawks were Brendan Charlton and Cam Lightfoot with 7 points each.
It was a fine opening night crowd of 150 and the fans of Lockport seemed to enjoy this particular brand of Canadian Junior Hockey.
After this evenings game the Regals face league leading Pelham Panthers on Sunday in Pelham and then return home next Wednesday to face the Panthers once again in a 7pm start.
For more information about the Lockport Regals visit us on line at www.lockportregals.com
Photo credit: Janet Schultz
