Looking to bounce back from a tough weekend in St. Catharines against the Brock Badgers, the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team was back on home ice Friday night.

The Lakers hosted the Western Mustangs, in search of their first win on home ice this year.

Despite a strong showing, the Lakers fell short, losing 5-3 to Western Friday at Memorial Gardens.

In the first, the lone goal came from Lakers captain, Devyn Mayea, who buried his first of the season to put Nipissing up 1-0 after 20 minutes.

The teams combined for four goals in the second period, as Western grabbed a 2-1 lead, scoring both goals in the first minute of the period.

Nipissing replied quickly, tying things up exactly three minutes into the period.

Charles Farmer scored his third goal of the season to make it 2-2.

Charlie Johnson continued her strong start to the season, putting home his fifth of the year giving the Lakers a 3-2 after 40 minutes.

Johnson and Tyson Tomasini assisted on Mayea's goal, while Farmer and Harrison Caines had helpers on Johnson's go-ahead goal.

Under five minutes into the third, the Mustangs tied things up at three, setting up a thrilling finish.

With five minutes to go, the Mustangs struck twice in 19 seconds to go ahead 5-3 with time winding down in the game.

Those two goals were the difference, as the Mustangs escaped with the win.

Zach Roy was between the pipes for the Lakers, finishing with 35 saves, while Nipissing had 24 shots of their own.

Nipissing faces Western once again Saturday to close out their weekend.

Game time is set for 7pm at Memorial Gardens.