The Lancers men's hockey team made their long-awaited return to the ice tonight as they took on the Waterloo Warriors. The game ended in a solid 1-0 victory after the Lancers struck early and didn't look back.
 
STATS
Lancer goaltender Noah Giesbrecht had a stellar performance making 32 saves to earn his first OUA career win and shutout.
 
Anthony Stefano and Brady Hinz would both record an assist off of Lancer veteran Sean Olson's first period goal.
 
Waterloo goaltender Julien Smith made 41 saves in net for the host Warriors.
 
GAME FLOW
Giesbrecht kicked off the game with a great 1-on-1 save which was the first big opportunity for both teams on the day. The Lancers return with a shot of their own after great movement with the puck. After some back-to-back action, the Lancers got another opportunity with nine minutes left in the period after John Wesley took a stunning shot that was saved by the Waterloo goalie. Wesley continued his offensive attack with more action in front of the net, nearly leading to a goal.
 
Windsor would get their first goal of the season while on a 5-on-3 power play due to great movement of the puck, and a great finish by Olson.
 
To start the second period, the Lancers came out and played exactly how they left off. They continued to apply pressure, while also displaying a tough defensive effort. Giesbrecht again would show off his quick reflexes, saving the first real chance of the period just three minutes in. Through the first half of the frame, Giesbrecht was bombarded with shots from the Warriors, but was unfazed and continued to save all that came his way. Defensemen Ryan Barbosa had Windsor's first huge chance of the period that resulted in a dogpile in front of the goal after the puck went loose. Late in the second period, Stefano had a great opportunity that was saved in spectacular fashion by Smith. The Lancers would swarm back with a 2-on-1, however, another great opportunity was stopped by great play by the Warriors goalie. The second period would end scoreless even after numerous chances for both sides.
 
Giesbrecht started the third period with another big save that was followed by some digging at the net by the Warriors. Wesley would get a huge opportunity to bag his first goal of the season and widen the Lancers lead, however, a save prevented this from happening. Despite the Warriors persistent pressure, the Lancer defense were able to barrel through these attacks to keep the Lancers ahead. The Lancers would hold on to their first period goal to beat the Warriors 1-0.
 
UP NEXT
Windsor will head home to the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex this Saturday, November 6th and face-off against the Western Mustangs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30pm, and tickets can be purchased in advance at goLancers.ca/tickets or fans can watch the game live at oua.tv.