It wasn't for lack of effort or chances, but the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team couldn't find the back of the net Friday night.

A breakaway, post and a number of quality chances didn't result in much offence for the Lakers, as they lost 4-1 to the Concordia Stingers in the first of two home games this weekend.

The Stingers took advantage of their opportunities and peppered Brent Moran in the Lakers' net, solving the netminder four times on 41 shots.

Moran was outstanding, keeping Nipissing in the game, giving them a chance to get rolling offensively.

There was just one goal scored in the first 40 minutes and it came from the Stingers, who led 1-0 after the first and hung on to that lead through two periods of play.

Up 1-0, Concrodia added three more goals before the 12-minute mark of the third to take a commanding 4-0 lead.

The Lakers fought hard to get back into the game, but managed just the one goal as Tyler Brown crammed home a loose puck on the edge of the crease with less than three minutes remaining in the game.

Travis McEvoy and Brody Morris earned assists on the goal.

Unfortunately it was too little, too late as Nipissing came up short.

While they managed just 28 shots on net, the Lakers had a number of quality chances and numerous power plays, but were unable to convert.

Moran stood on his head despite surrendering the four goals.

He finished with 37 saves.

Nipissing will try to bounce back when they host the powerful McGill Redmen Saturday at Memorial Gardens.

Puck drop is set for 7:30pm.