The Lakeshore Badgers were back in action this weekend with a pair of challenging matchups, hitting the road Friday night before returning home Saturday. The Badgers showed grit and resilience throughout both contests, earning a hard-fought home win after a tough road test.
Friday, February 6 – at Capital City Caps
Capital City 6, Lakeshore 3
The Badgers competed hard Friday night in East Lansing against a strong Capital City Caps squad. The opening period featured several quality chances for the Caps, but MCC sophomore goaltender Brockton Jabrocki stood tall, turning away opportunities and keeping shots to less dangerous areas of the ice. Capital City finally broke through with the game’s first goal in the final minute of the period.
Lakeshore responded early in the second period, getting on the board just over two minutes in on a goal from MCC senior Levi Young. The Caps answered quickly to regain the lead and added another goal two minutes later. Despite both teams pressing and working to create space, scoring was held in check for the remainder of the period.
The Badgers came out flying in the third, generating energy and offensive pressure. Ryan Higley, an LHS junior, scored twice in the period to pull Lakeshore within one. With four minutes remaining, the Badgers trailed just 4–3 and pushed hard for the equalizer. Capital City, however, sealed the game with two goals in the final 90 seconds, earning a 6–3 victory.
Despite the loss, the coaching staff was pleased with the team’s effort against a strong opponent. Capital City held a 43–21 edge in shots, but Jabrocki battled throughout the night and was voted Player of the Game by his teammates.
Saturday, February 7 – vs. Kalamazoo Eagles
Lakeshore 4, Kalamazoo 3
Saturday night marked a welcome return to home ice for the Badgers after a five-game road stretch. With unfinished business from a December overtime win against Kalamazoo, Lakeshore was determined to set the tone early and avoid another extra-session finish.
The Eagles struck first with a shorthanded goal seven minutes into the opening period, but the Badgers answered with strong defensive play and tight checking. With three minutes left in the period, MCC junior Cyric Jabrocki netted the equalizer to send the teams to intermission tied.
The second period was physical and tightly contested, with limited scoring chances at both ends. Lakeshore broke through late when LHS sophomore Adrian Lundberg scored the go-ahead goal with three minutes remaining. Kalamazoo responded quickly, scoring twice in the final 90 seconds to take a 3–2 lead into the second intermission.
After regrouping, the Badgers came out in the third period focused on disciplined defensive hockey. Their effort paid off when Levi Young scored his second goal of the weekend with ten minutes remaining to tie the game. Momentum swung firmly in Lakeshore’s favor, and with five and a half minutes left, Ryan Higley buried the eventual game-winner to give the Badgers a 4–3 lead.
Lakeshore locked things down defensively over the final minutes and received timely saves from Jabrocki to secure the win. Cyric Jabrocki was voted Player of the Game by his teammates.
The coaching staff praised the team’s resilience and focus, noting their ability to limit time and space and close out a tight game on home ice.
Looking Ahead
The Badgers have two games remaining in the regular season, both at home:
- Wednesday, February 11 vs. Holland West Ottawa Panthers – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, February 14 vs. Livonia Red Stallions
With momentum building and postseason approaching, the Badgers will look to finish strong in front of the home crowd.
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