In the final two games of their four game homestand to kickoff the season, the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team welcomed the Toronto Varsity Blues to Memorial Gardens Friday, followed up the Western Mustangs Saturday.

To begin the weekend, the Blues came to town hungry for a win and two points.

A tough opening period sunk the Lakers, who dropped the decision 4-3 despite a late push.

The Lakers got off to a slow start, trailing less than a minute into the first period and to the Blues credit, they pushed the pace of the game and added two more before the period was out.

Toronto held a 3-0 advantage after 20 minutes and were overall in control.

In the second, the pace evened out and the game picked up, but little in the way of offensive chances showed up for the majority of the middle frame.

Nipissing battled back and looked much better, but didn't find the back of the net until the second half of the middle frame.

Two quick goals, however, pulled Nipissing back into the contest as Colin Campbell and Dan Desrochers both went upstairs with shots to cut their team's deficit to just one goal.

Erik Robichaud assisted on Campbell's goal, while Deverick Ottereyes picked up the helper on Desrochers tally.

Toronto replied quickly after Nipissing's second goal, restoring their two goal lead.

It was a much better period all around, but Nipissing still trailed by a pair after 40 minutes.

Down by a pair in the third period, the Lakers found a way back into the game when Campbell scored his second of the night, set up by Kylor Wall and Robichaud.

Both teams pushed late in the period - Nipissing to tie things up and Toronto to put the game away - and it Toronto who hung on for the win.

Final shots read 34-22 in favour of the Blues, who escape with the win.

Domenic Graham finished with 30 saves in the loss.

Next up, Nipissing hosts Western Saturday night at 7:30pm.