It's been and up and down first six games of the OUA season for the Nipissing Lakes men's hockey team, but that doesn't mean it's been a bad start.

After two tough overtime losses to kick off the campaign, the Lakers came up with two big road wins to even their record, but at the end of a lengthy road trip, Nipissing was unable to stay hot, losing a pair last weekend.

Back on home ice and facing the Guelph Gryphons Friday night, the Lakers put in a quality 70 minute effort, but were unable to earn a second point, as they fell 3-2 in overtime to the Gryphons.

Battling a bit of the injury bug, Nipissing came up with a gutsy effort versus last year's CIS bronze medallists.

The shots didn't reflect the first period, as the Gryphons held an edge on pucks to the net, but the game was played evenly, with both goalies making key saves at key times to keep the score 0-0.

It was the same story in the second period, especially in the first half of the frame, as both Domenic Graham and Andrew D'Agostini stood tall and made some highlight reel saves on quality scoring chances.

It was the Gryphons who finally broke through with a goal in the second period, just past the midway point, when they finally beat Graham and found the back of the net.

The Gryphons added to their lead with just under five minutes left in the period, scoring on the power play a shift after the Lakers had a shorthanded breakaway, but couldn't bury the puck.

The Lakers did get on the board before the period ended, thanks to a pretty passing play.

Guillaume Naud started the player and got the puck to Mackenzie Keirstead who threw the puck to the net and thanks to a nifty tip-in from Erik Robichaud, the Lakers were within one late in the frame.

The second period wrapped up with the Gryphons leading 2-1 after another exciting 20 minutes.

Shots were 21-17 in favour of Guelph.

After a competitive and entertaining first two periods, the third didn't disappoint, with both teams looking to secure the victory and get back into the win column - both teams entered the game having dropped their last two constests.

About six minutes into the third, the Lakers had several great chances on the power play, including hitting the post, but were unable to even the game up.

Thanks to keeping the pressure up, the Lakers finally broke through and tied the game, as Colin Campbell banked a shot in off D'Agostini on a delayed penalty to knot things up at two.

The teams decided to play a little extra, as they went to double overtime when the Gryphons caught a break at one end, with the Lakers hitting the post before they turned it around and scored on a re-direction to take the extra point.

Guelph escaped with a 3-2 win and now Nipissing will have to regroup for their next game in 24 hours.

Nipissing is back in action Saturday night when they host the Western Mustangs at 7 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.