Brampton Excelsiors Narrowly Defeat Peterborough Lakers For Third Straight WIN

PHOTO: JERAMIE BAILEY

The Brampton Excelsiors narrowly missed the playoffs last season, and they don’t want to again. Coming off their first road win since June 25, they welcomed the Peterborough Lakers to Memorial Arena on Friday with a 13-12 victory. It’s their first three-game win streak since the bubble season in 2021.

Daniel Clark tried as best he could in the first to deny the home side the win, however. He had a pair of goals in a Lakers’ three goal streak spanning just 1:11. It was part of a five point period, including a hat trick as Peterborough scored the maximum two goals on a Brampton major penalty. All told, the Lakers led 7-2 after one.

The second period, it was Eric Ward’s turn. The Excelsiors scored five goals within 4:07, where Ward had three points. He’d eventually end up with six in the frame off eight Brampton goals, giving them the lead 10-9 on an Ethan Harkins power play marker.

 After Nate Sage opened the third with a power play, tying goal, Dante Kulas and Bowie Horsman stretched the lead back out. Nick Dilauro got one back, but then it was Erich Acton’s second that would stand as the game winner. With the 13-12 victory Brampton improve to 4-6 on the season, jumping Six Nations (3-6) in the standings, and into eight place – the final playoff spot.

 Eric Ward’s five goals were a career high. He added three assists to match his career-high with eight points. Erich Acton finished with six (3 goals, 3 assists). Connor O’Toole was sensational stopping 53 of 65 shots for the victory.

Daniel Clark led the Lakers with seven points (4 goals, 3 assists). Michael Blaymires finished with five (2 goals, 3 assists).

Peterborough will be off until Monday when they host the Whitby Warriors (6-6), while the Brampton Excelsiors travel to Six Nations (3-6) for a crucial matchup at the ILA Sunday.