Lakeland’s varsity ice hockey team had a very successful win against one of their division’s biggest rivals, Indian Hills. The game took place at the Ice Vault on Friday, December 13, 2019.

This game was the first Lakeland versus Indian Hills game of the 2019-2020 season. Both teams entered the game undefeated. Indian Hills (1-0-3) and Lakeland (2-0-1) were each looking to leave the rink on top of the division’s standings.

The first period ended with neither team scoring, but both teams played a physical brand of hockey. Early in the second period, junior Joey Cole put the Lancers on the scoreboard with a powerplay goal. The Lakeland defense stood strong the rest of the game, with an outstanding performance by junior Ben Kopacki in the goal. Kopacki kept Indian Hills off the scoresheet, earning his second shutout of the season in the Lakeland 1-0 victory.

Each school brought a large and enthusiastic crowd to the game. Each fan section motivated their team and provided a rowdy atmosphere in the stands.

Both Indian Hills and Lakeland brought a playoff type intensity to the game. This intensity will most likely increase when the two squads meet again in January of 2020. The Lakeland community looks forward to watching the Lancers continue to grow and move forward with their season.