Box Score The Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team continued their strong play, despite coming up short in the end.

The Lakers dropped a tough 5-4 shootout decision to the division leading Queen's Gaels Saturday afternoon in North Bay.

In a back and forth affair, the Lakers had three leads, but the Gaels fought back each time, eventually taking home the extra point in the shootout.

Jacob Hickey continued his strong season, scoring his seventh of the season in the first period to give Nipissing the lead after 20 minutes.

His power play marker was assisted by Colby Tower and Gael Lubwele – who had a multi-point game.

The teams combined for four goals in the middle frame – with each team scoring twice.

The Gaels took the lead thanks to two goals before the two-minute mark, both on the power play, before Nipissing replied with two of their own.

Down 2-1, Lubwele scored to tie the game, setup by Devyn Mayea.

Then, shorthanded, Max Griffioen, gave the Lakers the lead back, putting them up 3-2 after 40 minutes of play.

In the third, a span of two and a half minutes saw three total goals, as the Gaels tallied twice to tie the game.

A Queen's goal evened things up before Elias Lieffers gave Nipissing their third lead of the game.

Brock Welsh and Cole Stewart earned helpers on the go-ahead goal.

Just 29 seconds later, the Gaels scored to tie the game at 4-4 – the score that would remain until the shootout.

Nipissing was unable to score in the shootout, while the Gaels managed one tally to grab the win and two points.

With the extra time loss, the Lakers now sit at 7-5-1 on the season.

Up next, Nipissing faces Ontario Tech on Friday, Feb. 25 at Memorial Gardens.