The Lakeshore Badgers wrapped up their regular season and opened postseason play with a stretch of competitive hockey that showcased both resilience and growth as they head deeper into February.
Panthers Pull Away Late
The Badgers hosted the West Ottawa Panthers on Wednesday night at West Shore Community Ice Arena, falling 5-1 in a tightly contested matchup (Feb. 11, 2026).
West Ottawa carried much of the play in the first period, but the Badgers matched their effort with disciplined, physical defense. The Panthers broke through late in the opening frame, scoring with just under three minutes remaining to take a 1-0 lead into intermission.
Lakeshore responded quickly in the second period. Just 1:28 in, senior captain Jayden Mirretti buried a goal off the rush to even the score at 1-1. The game remained tight until the Panthers capitalized on a power play opportunity midway through the period to regain the lead.
West Ottawa pulled away in the third, adding three goals to secure the 5-1 victory. Despite the loss, Mirretti was named Player of the Game by his teammates.
Badgers Finish Regular Season with Shutout Win
Lakeshore bounced back in impressive fashion on Saturday, February 14, defeating the Livonia Red Stallions 4-0 in their regular season finale.
The Badgers controlled play from the outset, outshooting Livonia 16-8 in the first period but were unable to convert early chances. The breakthrough came late in the second period when senior Lukas Schade found the back of the net with 2:11 remaining to give Lakeshore a 1-0 lead.
Lakeshore extended the lead in the third period. Junior Ryan Higley scored seven minutes in, followed by a goal from senior Levi Young just over two minutes later. The Badgers capped the scoring with a power play goal in the final 30 seconds.
Sophomore goaltender Brockton Jabrocki earned the shutout, stopping all 18 shots he faced, giving the Badgers momentum heading into the postseason.
Badgers Advance in Regional Thriller
The postseason began February 17 with a dramatic 5-4 win over the Cheboygan Chiefs in the first round of the MHSAA Division 3 Region 19 playoffs at Wexford County Civic Arena.
Cheboygan struck early, scoring just 1:28 into the contest. The Badgers responded quickly, as junior Cyric Jabrocki scored to tie the game before adding a power play goal later in the first period to give Lakeshore a 2-1 lead.
The Chiefs surged in the second period with two quick goals to reclaim a 3-2 advantage, but senior Levi Young tied the game midway through the frame. Senior Lukas Schade then put Lakeshore ahead 4-3 late in the period.
Cheboygan evened the score again in the third, setting up a tense finish. Schade delivered the game-winner with 5:36 remaining, and goaltender Joel Knobel secured the victory with key saves down the stretch, stopping 13 of 17 shots.
Knobel was named Player of the Game for his clutch performance.
With the win, the Badgers advance to face the Bay Reps in the regional semifinal on Thursday, February 19 at 5 p.m. at Wexford County Civic Arena.
Lakeshore enters the next round playing some of its most complete hockey of the season—combining timely scoring, disciplined defense, and strong goaltending as the stakes continue to rise.
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