Cold weather means WINTER SPORTS action, and we have our first results from the defending LVC champion Hockey team.

The Eagles kicked off their '23-'24 campaign in the UP this weekend looking to tag some wins. They faced two solid opponents beginning with the Big Rapids Cardinals on Friday 11/17. After a slow start for the team, junior Ryan Danielson kicked off the scoring by snagging an errant Big Rapids pass and easily beating the BR goalie low blocker. 1-0 after one period.

Six minutes into the second period, junior Bryce Martin neatly broke up a three on one Cardinal attack and pushed the puck up to junior Adam Trzcinski who took it end to end finding the net on quick snap shot for the 2nd goal of the game. 2-0 after two.

Lakeland would go on to score three more goals in the 3rd. Trzcinski scored his second of the night (Martin, Brennan Grant) and sophomore Austin Scanlon added a pair of goals with assists credited to Martin(3), B. Grant, and junior Tyler Buback and senior Elliot Smith.

Senior Captain goaltender Paul Baker turned back 20 of 21 shots for his first win of the year. Final score 5-1 LHS.

Coach Tim Ronayne shared his thoughts on the game: "Well we were not ready to go in the first. You can blame a long bus trip but Big Rapids traveled today too. Paul was ready and he kept the scoreboard clean until we woke up. Ryan had a nice first goal and Martin put the puck on net from the point all night like we want him to do. I'm generally pleased with the win but we can do better."