SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lakers hockey will be on display at the Tahoe Blue Event Center this weekend.  On Thursday, the Lakers hosted the two-time defending United States Premier Hockey League champion Vernal Oilers.  The defending Pacific Division Champion Ontario Jr. Reign will oppose the Lakers on Friday and Saturday.  All three games start at 7 pm.  Tickets are still available at laketahoelakers.com

The Lakers have been dominant on home ice this season and will look to improve upon their 5-0-1 record in Lake Tahoe. Getting the opportunity to play in front of large crowds, on the big stage, and under the bright lights of the Tahoe Blue Event Center is a special occasion for Lakers players.  Undoubtedly, the boys in blue have had these games circled on their calendars since they were scheduled.

The series allows the Lakers to quickly turn the page after a disappointing road trip against the Ventura Vikings last weekend.

Despite some late-game heroics from Long Beach, CA native Matt Duggan who tied the game with a breakaway goal with only 42 seconds left in regulation, the Lakers lost a thrilling game to the Vikings 7-6 in a shootout last Friday.  It was high-flying, wide-open action that featured four different lead changes throughout the game.

One night later, Lake Tahoe lost in heartbreaking fashion by giving up a powerplay goal with just over two minutes remaining in play to lose 3-2.  It was the first loss of the season in six starts for the Lakers’ ace goaltender Aidan Finn.

The series against the Vikings concluded on Sunday with a 3-2 overtime loss for Lake Tahoe who went 1-for-11 on the power play in the loss.  So the Lakers headed home from Ventura with only two of six possible points earned and a bitter taste in their mouth, knowing they were very close to a better outcome in all three games.

Discipline continues to be an issue for the Lakers who have the eighth most penalty minutes in the NCDC with 292 in just twelve games played.  The Lakers will also look to improve their special teams play this weekend after going just 2 / 18 on the power play and 17 / 22 on the penalty kill against the Vikings.

With that now in the rear view mirror, it’s full speed ahead for the Lakers into the Tahoe Blue Event Center.