It was old-time hockey at Memorial Gardens as the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team hosted the UOIT Ridgebacks.

In a physical playoff-like battle, the Lakers picked up a key 3-2 victory as they push towards the post-season, with a shot at climbing the OUA East Division standings.

After a scoreless first period, Nipissing put together one of their better periods of hockey, maybe all season, in the second.

They found the back of the net twice as Danny Desrochers and Brett Jeffries each scored.

Desrochers redirected a Dylan Staples pass on the doorstep to make it 1-0 Lakers just before the midway point of the game.

Colin Campbell also earned an assist on the game's opening goal.

About five minutes later, Jeffries tallied his first career OUA goal to give Nipissing a 2-0 advantage after 40 minutes.

UOIT cut into the Lakers' lead with a goal early in the third period.

Three minutes later, Colin Campbell restored the two-goal cushion thanks to an unbelievable individual effort.

Campbell outskated the UOIT defender, made a move with one hand and finished the play off sliding the puck into the net.

Once again, the Ridgebacks would cut into the Nipissing lead, scoring on the power play with just under seven minutes remaining in the game.

And despite late power play chances and pressure, the Lakers and goalie Brent Moran held on for the victory.

Moran finished with 35 saves picking up the win, with the final shots reading 37-32 in favour of UOIT.

The Lakers are back at it Saturday night, as they host the RMC Paladins at 7:30pm at Memorial Gardens.

The game is both Military Appreciation Night and Bell Let's Talk.