Lakers Down Ducks in Shootout

Gillespie’s lone goal in Shootout gives Lakers the victory.

The Forest Lake Lakers traveled to Poppy Waterman Arena yesterday to take on the Dells Ducks in the 1st of a 3 game weekend series.  It was also the birthday of rookie forward, #11 Brandon Gillespie, so it was fitting that his birthday was capped off with the winning goal in the shootout giving the Lakers the 2-1 victory in the series opener.  “I couldn’t be happier for Brandon. He’s had an emotional week with the loss of his grandfather. For him to come out here and lift this hockey club past a very good Ducks team on the road is really special. What a way to cap off his birthday” said Lakers Head Coach Dennis Canfield.

The pace of the game was up tempo from the start with each team asserting their physical play.  In a game that saw the league’s top two netminders square off neither club was able the solve the others goalie and the 1st period would end in a scoreless tie.  When asked about the period Canfield said, “ I thought both teams played well and it was an entertaining period of hockey from two good hockey clubs”.  Shots on goal were 12-9 in favor of the Ducks.

The 2nd period started much the same; however, it was the Lakers who would strike first with Ducks #17 Neitenbach in the box for cross checking #7 Josh Fisher would bang home a loose puck giving the Lakers the lead 1-0.  The lead did not last long though as Lakers defensemen #15 Zach Milavitz took a penalty just over a minute later and the Ducks evened the score 1-1 on a goal by #94 Tyler Forest.  That score held and both teams headed to the locker room tied 1-1. Shots on goal favored the Ducks 8-6.

In the 3rd period, both teams had man advantages in what was shaping up as another classic affair between both clubs but no team was able to solve the goalies and the game headed to an extra frame.  In the 4 on 4 setting it was anyone’s, but once again each goalie made their mark and it needed to be settled by a shootout.  The lone goal came off the stick off Gillespie as he sauced a pretty back-hand past the Ducks goalie under the cross bar and the Lakers stormed off the bench for the 2-1 victory.  “It was a gutsy road victory tonight for our club. I was very proud of our effort. Good teams find a way to win and we were able to pull this one out”, said Canfield.

Matiss Kivlenieks turned aside 35 of 36 shots and stopped all 5 ducks shootout attempts to earn the victory.

Become Part of the Team

Looking to be Part of the Team?

Become A Billet Family Today! 

This past weekend the Billeting Coordinator of the Lakers contacted me and mentioned that we have a few additional players coming to the team coming up. Currently however this players do not have a home to stay at and we are desperately asking the Forest Lake, Mn community region to open their hearts and homes to a kid in need of a regional family.

For more info contact Jerris Miller at (612)-670-4817.

Note From Lakers GM Ralph Hayne 

Each year hundreds of families throughout the United States will host Junior Hockey players spending the hockey season away from their homes. For a majority of Host Families these stays are often the foundation of special lifelong friendships with the players and his regular family. The host families soon become fans participate in various hockey events, pot lucks, and parties with other host families and members of the team.

Lakers players will be 20 years old or younger and are required to either go to school or work during the hockey season. Players pay a monthly Billeting fee of $350 to these host families during their stay.

Potential hosts should contact us to hear more about this fun experience.

For more information please email the Lakers Billet Coordinator, Jerris Miller at jerrismiller11@gmail.com or call her at 612-670-4817.

Or contact team GM, Ralph Hayne

 ralph.hayne@lakershockey.com 

651-335-7398

The billeting parents establish the rules. However, they are expected to be flexible and reasonable. The following are examples:

1) The league requires that the team treasurer collect the billet fees from the player and pay the billet from the team account.  This will occur on or about the first of each month.

 2) There will be a curfew. This needs to be discussed, agreed to and followed. Consider school, hockey and work schedules. Weekends can be later.

3) Family will provide access to clothes washer and dryer. Player washes his own clothes. Family supplies detergent and dryer sheets. It is recommended a schedule is agreed on to avoid conflicts with using the machines.

4) Player is expected to keep his room picked up daily and cleaned per agreed schedule. This includes but not limited to vacuuming, washing sheets.

5) Player is assigned a bathroom to use. This may be shared with other family members. Schedules may become necessary to minimize conflicts. If they have their own bathroom, they clean it weekly. Sharing a bath means sharing the cleaning. Agree on schedule and specific chores.

6) Because a player is paying the family to supply food, they should allow access to snacks and leftovers at reasonable hours – agree on terms and define snacks (fruit, hot pockets, cereal, personal size pizzas, etc). Remember - these players are burning 5000 or more calories a day skating.

7) The family is encouraged to include the player in family activities: social events, church, grocery shopping, watching movies, board games. If the family has a younger member hockey player, the Laker is expected to offer help to the player's coach at practices or games when there is no scheduling conflict with the Lakers.

8) It is suggested that general house rules be discussed: attire (ex: when is it appropriate or not appropriate to be up and about in their boxers), what to do with wet towels, locking doors, electricity savings, dirty dishes

9) Player is expected to share normal family chores: Examples: take out garbage, shovel snow, etc.

10) US players normally come with their own vehicle. Off-street parking is optimum, but it is understood this may not always be possible. Parking plans need to be defined. Import players will not have a car or a drivers license. The team will help organize transportation (exampe: have a 2nd, US player living with the family; another local player will drive them)

11) Players should be able to have friends visit. Set rules, curfews. If the player requests to have a friend for a sleepover, it is the parent’s decision to say yes or no. It is suggested that a discussion about this include expectations regarding meals and snacks while the friend is there. No surprises on anyone’s part.

12) Developing strong relationships with local girls should be discouraged. 

13) At no time should a player have a girlfriend visiting and being together in his room with the door closed. Private, personal conversations between them should be conducted outside billet family home.

Lakers Vs. HC Harbin (China) Friday - Oct. 10th

The Forest Lake Lakers have jumped out of the gates to a 6-1-0 start in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MnJHL). Their next game in the MnJHL is on Saturday Oct. 11th in Rochester vs. the 6-0 Ice Hawks. But before the Lakers hit the road this weekend they will be playing an international exhibition game vs. HC Harbin of China on Friday at the Forest Lake Sports Center at 7:30. Join us at the rink, or if you can’t make it check out www.msbnsports.com which broadcast all MnJHL games.

HC Harbin has been coming to America in their offseason for a several years now to prepare them for hockey back home where they have won over a dozen Chinese National Championships in the last 40 years. Arriving in 2 waves on September 16th, and 17th, they have been staying in Ames, Iowa playing games against the Iowa State Cyclones D1 and D3 teams over the last few weeks. Against the D3 team the HC Harbin displayed a lot of talent in a pair of 4-1 losses. Then against the D1 team HC Harbin fought through a couple of blowouts losing 8-0 on 9/26 and 11-1 on 9/27. Not a lot is known about the team and how they will do against the Lakers. A few years ago they played the Twin Cities Northern Lights and struggled against them although I could not track down a box score. The game should be a fun test for the Lakers and HC Harbin both look to get some extra experience to help them in their respective upcoming seasons. Join the Lakers on Friday and route the team on as they look to win their first International Game.

Now after those two series of games HC Harbin is coming to Forest Lake where they will take on the Lakers this Friday. The Lakers players are excited about the game, as they will get a chance to try out some tactics for their upcoming games in the MnJHL season. The Lakers have 3 games vs. the top 2 teams in the Minnesota Division. The (6-0) Rochester Ice Hawks (tied at 12pts with the Lakers) on Saturday and then the (9-2) Dells Ducks next weekend on the 17th and 19th. Having already defeated the Ducks 2-1 last Thursday the Lakers will be looking to take some points from the only team they are currently chasing.


Scouting Report on HC Harbin

Forwards: “The most talented forward on HC Harbin's roster, however, is likely 18-year-old Ji Peng, who played 6 games for China Dragon last season and for Team China at the 2014 World Junior Championships Division II Group B and the 2014 World Championships. Nineteen-year-old Xiang Xu Dong and 18-year-old Zhu Zi Yang also skated with Ji at forward at the World Junior Championships.”

Defense: “HC Harbin's defense is led by Fu Teng Yi, who was an alternate captain for Team China at the 2014 World Championships and who plays a strong two-game, possesses strong all-compass mobility, and who displays a penchant for physical play. Li Ning and Wen Chao are well-established as amongst China's best, having played for both China Dragon and Team China at the World Championships last season, and Guan Tian Yi is one of China's top young defenseman as a 19-year-old who played 7 games for China Dragon in 2013-14 and, like Ji Peng, for Team China at both the World Junior Championships and World Championships.”

Goalies: “In net, Harbin brings two arguably the top two goaltenders in China. Liu Zhi Wei served as China's number one netminder at the 2014 World Championships and 20-year-old Xia Sheng Rong joined him as Team China's backup after serving as China's top goalie at the 2014 World Junior Championships and as China Dragon's backup goalie”

Lakers Stun Crusaders in OT

Lakers celebrate after the Josh Fisher game winner!

The Forest Lake Lakers used a 43 save performance from goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, including 24 in the 3rd period, and two 3rd period goals to erase a 2-0 deficit and then struck in overtime to shock the visiting Hudson Crusaders on Saturday night with a 3-2 win.  Fans packed the stands and the Lakers didn’t disappoint the hometown faithful who erupted after the game winning goal.  This was the Lakers first game of the season and the inaugural home opener in their new home at the Forest Lake Sports Center.  “The fans and atmosphere were electric tonight.  I’m so proud of the total team effort our guys gave. They played with a lot of heart and never quit.  We are a blue collar, hard working team that is going to play 60 minutes, night in and night out. Other teams are going to have to earn a win with us.  Our goaltender was the difference tonight.  We will enjoy this for a day and then get back to work” said Lakers Head Coach Dennis Canfield.

The Mayor of Forest Lake welcomes the team to the community.

The pace out of the gate was quick in the early going of the 1st period as each team was feeling one another out.  Each team had a number of quality chances off rushes but both goaltenders were sharp and the teams headed to the locker room after one period scoreless.  “In the early part of the game our guys had a lot of nerves. It was good to get to the locker room and regroup.” said Canfield.

The 2nd period started much the same but it was the Crusaders who took the momentum and began to press, however, Kivlenieks was stellar time after time again.  At one point he turned aside a flurry of shots making 4 saves on the play including a one-time cross ice pass that looked to be a sure goal.  While the game went back and forth, the Lakers did run into penalty trouble. But they managed to kill off a 4 minute double minor on a penalty to Drew Olson while defending his net minder who had been ran into.  Even with the solid penalty killing, the Crusaders would strike first on a power play goal by Cole Knowlton in the dying seconds of the period, sending the Lakers to the locker room trailing 0-1 after two periods.  “We took a couple of penalties early in the period but I thought our PK was excellent, especially killing off the double minor. We were disappointed to give up a goal like that, especially in the last minute of the period” said Canfield.

Lakers Fans! Thanks for the support, hope to see ya again soon.

Heading into the 3rd period the Lakers shuffled the lines in an effort to generate some new offense and found success early on pressuring the Crusaders defense and goaltender.  Newcomer Josh Huskien (Minneapolis) had a solid game rotating between the Lakers top two lines, as did Jake Gunderson (Forest Lake) and Brandon Gillespie (Lindstrom) who were a physical presence all day long.  Even with the changes, the Lakers continued to call upon their goaltender and, following a turnover, Parker Caskey cashed in to give the Crusaders a 2-0 lead at the 4:03 mark of the 3rd.

Down two goals, the Lakers showed no signs of quitting to work hard and sticking to the game plan.  It finally paid off when Jake Peterson (Forest Lake) banged home a loose puck in the crease that slid behind the Hudson goaltender, cutting the lead to 2-1 at the 13:25 mark of the 3rd.  The goal energized not only the Lakers themselves, but also the faithful fans.  Following a Hudson penalty minutes later, while on the power play, the Lakers kept in an attempt to clear the puck and rookie Mike Caravella (Chandler, AZ) sent home the game-tying goal at 17:51.  The teams would head to overtime tied at 2-2.  Following a Lakers time out, on an odd man rush headed by Captain Jesse Game, Mike Caravella’s shot from the wing bounced off the goalie’s pads to Josh Fisher who banged home the winner giving the Lakers the 3-2 victory.  “We wanted to get this one for the crowd and for Lakers’ owner Ralph Hayne, especially being in our new arena.  We played a very good team tonight.  We have to continue to build off of this”, said Canfield.

Lakers thanking their fans for coming out for the game. 

Lakers will take their 1-0 record on the road to Hudson next Saturday for their first road game of the year. Then it’s back to Forest Lake the following weekend for a matchup with the Owls. In September the Lakers only play 4 games giving them some extra time to prepare and scout other teams. For more info go to www.lakershockey.com

Notes:  Lakers’ Power Play was 2 for 5

              Lakers’ Penalty Kill was 1 for 3

Lakers win 3-2 over Owls in Exhibition

The Forest Lake Lakers traveled to Isanti's Johnson Arena for their first exhibition of the season against the Minnesota Owls on Thursday night and downed the Owls 3-2.  This game was a nice gauge for both clubs as the Lakers’ season opener is Saturday, September 13th  in Forest Lake vs. Hudson Crusaders @ 7:30PM.  “We had a good start with the training camp and it was good for our guys to go against another team in a competitive situation to see where we were at as a club,” said Lakers Head Coach Dennis Canfield. “I liked a lot of what I saw, especially from our young guys who were getting their first junior experience.”

The Lakers jumped out early on a goal by forward Ryan Paal assisted by defensemen Nikita Diakonov.  The Owls responded by evening the game 1-1 on a goal mouth scramble and sent the teams to the locker room tied after the first period.  The second period saw the Lakers take a two goal lead on goals by local product Jake Gunderson and veteran defensemen Jessee Game.  The Owls would cut the lead midway thru the 3rd period, but the Lakers held on to earn the victory.

“We got to work on a lot of situational play and special teams. I thought our netminders looked good in their 1st game action of the season” said Canfield.

Stay tuned to lakershockey.com for more information.

Go Lakers!

Lakers Ready for 2014-2015

The anticipation is building as the inaugural game for new Forest Lake Lakers is just days away. There is an undeniable sense of optimism floating around the team.  The Lakers will open the season this Saturday at the Forest Lake Sports Center @ 7:30PM as they take on their rivals, the Hudson Crusaders.  What’s different you ask?  Just about everything - with the exception of longtime owner and GM, Ralph Hayne.  Coming off a sub-par season, changes needed to be made to the direction of this proud and storied franchise.  With that being said, Hayne relocated the Lakers to the Forest Lake Sports Center, a beautiful 5 year old facility that is now under the direction of the Forest Lake Area School District.  The 5 year contract included a new locker room with team offices and upgrading the training center, giving the Lakers some of the best resources for its players and staff in all of junior hockey.  The training center will be shared by the Lakers, the FL varsity teams and the youth association. Lastly, the Lakers brought in a new staff by way of new Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, Dennis Canfield, a gritty, no nonsense systematic coach, with a proven track record of winning and developing players.  “We are 100 percent committed to bringing the Lakers back to their glory days and are more than excited to kick off this new chapter of the team in the proud hockey town of Forest Lake”. The coaching staff includes Terry Flood, a local FL coach with junior hockey coaching experience, and Matt McAlpin, Buffalo, MN.

The Lakers’ roster boasts locals Jake Peterson (FL), Jake Gunderson (FL attending Totino Grace HS), Brandon Gillespie (Chisago) and Ryan Paal (Ham Lake). Peterson and Gunderson will leave the Lakers in early November to play for their respective high schools. The roster also includes returners Matiss Kivlenieks (Latvia), Jessee Game (CA), Josh Fisher (Washington State), Jesse Knudsen (St Louis Park), Zach Milavitz (CO). “Our recruiting has brought us a solid core of players. I’m more than pleased with the chemistry of the new team”, said Hayne.

Saturday’s game will begin with an opening ceremony featuring FL Mayor Chris Johnson and School Board Business Manager, Larry Martini.

The Lakers’ games will be webcasted all season. The play-by-play this year will be by local announcer Joe Moore.  Saturday’s game will include guest color commentator Mike Staloch, President of the MN Junior Hockey League.

In addition to their league season, the Lakers will be hosting a game with a team from China named HC Harbin on Friday, October 10 at 7:30 PM. “Who thinks of China and hockey in the same sentence?”, said Hayne.  This will be the first non-North American team the Lakers have played in their 20 years. HC Harbin is being hosted in the US by the Iowa State Cyclones, a team the Lakers try to schedule annually. More details about the HC Harbin game will be coming in the next few weeks.

For more Lakers info visit: www.lakershockey.com

Lakers Build Foundation

Locker room blue print

Many teams talk about building a foundation for success. But rarely do you literally get to see the foundation being built. Currently this is the case with the Forest Lake Lakers as the brand new locker room at the Forest Lake Sports Center. The locker room construction began last week and has progressed well in the opening weeks. Despite the rain and the 4th of July holiday weekend to back up progress, the Lakers new locker room is still on schedule to be open for the start of the regular season.

For updates on the locker room follow the Lakers on Instagram as we will be continually updating the progress of the locker room. This week the foundation was poured and the shape of the locker room is starting to take place at the arena. The coming months will be very excited around Lakers camp as they continue to rebuild both on the ice and off with the move to Forest Lake, MN. The Lakers will be working with the community in a number of ways as Coach Canfield has already stated that each player will be mandated to volunteer with a local youth organization to help develop the game in the city.

This week the Lakers also got word that last year's captain Jessee Game will be returning to the Lakers (see full story), recently Jessee was nice enough to take the time to answer some questions about his decision to return. Last year with the Lakers Jessee played in 47 games and was 2nd on the team in points behind only Dallas Marvin. Also this past week the Lakers got word from 3 incoming players that they are excited to come to Forest Lake to play some hockey. Zack Remers from Buffalo, NY, a long time family friend of Coach Canfield will be a great addition to the squad. Then word that Michael Caravella a prospect from Arizona will also be joining the team. As well as local player Brandon Gillespie also committed to playing for the Lakers next season. Brandon comes from just down the road in Chisago Lakes. Brandon will for sure try to follow the footsteps of fellow former Chisago Lakes player Jake Parenteau who just finished up his senior year with the Golden Gophers which included 2 goals in the NCAA Championship Game. Parenteau in 2007-2008 tallying 37 points that season.


The Lakers also got news that they will be playing an international exhibition this season as HC Harbin from China will come over to play an entire month worth of hockey in the midwest. The USA Hockey Association has approved the team coming to America to play Junior teams and the Lakers are on the list of squads they will be visiting. The Lakers players will surely be excited about the opportunity to play some hockey with players from across the world.

For more Lakers news check out our website at www.lakershockey.com