It was the perfect way to start the New Year for the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team.

The Lakers came away with a convincing 5-1 win over their rivals, the Laurentian Voyageurs Friday night in Sudbury.

Five different goal scorers and some solid goaltending led Nipissing to the win and got the team back in the win column after two losses to close out the first semester.

After a scoreless first period, a total of five goals were scored in the second – four by the Lakers.

Trevor Bush tallied his first career OUA goal to get the ball rolling for Nipissing less than four minutes into the middle frame.

Lucas and Tyler Brown each picked up assists on the game's opening goals.

Erik Robichaud doubled the Lakers lead less than three minutes later on the power play.

Colby Tower and Matt Donnelly drew helpers on what turned out to be the game-winner.

Tower would add to the lead just past the midway point of the game, set up by Gael Lubwele and Matt Paul.

Laurentian finally got on the board to cut into the Nipissing lead, but before the end of the period, the Lakers would regain their three goal advantage.

Lubwele, assisted by Kylor Wall, made it 4-1 heading into the third period.

The lone goal of the third came off the stick of Dylan Staples as he found the empty-net to seal the win and give Nipissing the two points.

Colin Campbell and Dan Desrochers picked up the assists.

Domenic Graham got the start in net, making 15 saves before giving way to Talor Joseph, who made all 12 saves the rest of the way.

Nipissing hits the ice again this weekend, hosting UOIT and Queens.

Both games are set for 7:30pm at Memorial Gardens.