Box Score The Nipissing Lakers men's hockey had an unfavorable schedule to start the season, facing two very tough opponents in back-to-back weekends.

After falling short in Ottawa, the Lakers battled the defending champion, UQTR Patriotes Friday night, losing 3-2.

Saturday, it was much of the same.

A high scoring first period saw the score 2-2 after 20 minutes.

Finding the back of the net for the Lakers were veteran Pascal Valcourt and captain Parker Bowman.

In the middle frame, it was all Patriotes, as they tallied twice to head to the second intermission up a pair, 4-2.

The team kept the offence coming in the third, with the Patriotes added a pair, while Nipissing managed just the one.

Jonathan Rees had the third period marker for the Lakers, while Elias Lieffers had a pair of assists in the contest.

At the end of 60 minutes, the Lakers were doubled up by a final of 6-3.

Up next, the Lakers hit the road to face Concordia and McGill next weekend.