LAC LA BICHE - The Lac La Biche Lakers will continue their playoff journey after beating the High Prairie Red Wings in the first round of the 2025 National Junior Hockey League (NJHL) playoffs.
On March 11, shut out the High Prairie Red Wings 3-2 in an away game to move into the second round of playoffs against the Edson Eagles. Lac La Biche won three of four games played against the Red Wings in a best-of-five series.
The Lakers, who hold second place in the NJHL North Division, host the first-place Eagles for game one of the playoff series at Lac La Biche’s Bold Centre on March 14 at 7:30 p.m.
According to Gatlin Church, head coach of the Lakers, the recent series against High Prairie went very well and was a showcase of exceptional hockey.
“It was fast paced, very exciting and included great goaltending on both ends. As a group we played very well, limited our mistakes and were successful while making adjustments along the way,” Church told Lakeland This Week.
According to Church, there is a strong feeling of confidence among the Lakers as the squad prepares for the second round of playoff action.
Edson is a very physical team, he said, and therefore, it is imperative for the Lakers to remain composed and stay out of the penalty box.
“In order to be successful, we have to play well defensively and limit opportunities,” he stated.
Looking back over the past season, Church said at times it has felt surreal. He explained that the group has changed since he first arrived in October.
The addition of some very capable players from the area such as Braxton Parenteau, Kadin Cardinal, and Caleb Kornelson has made the transition much smoother.
“Overall, this season has been a lot of fun and it’s not over yet . . . this group is special, and we believe we can be there at the end,” he said.
After hosting the Eagles on home ice, the Lakers will travel to Edson for games two and three on March 15 and 16. The Lakers could return to the Bold Centre for game four on March 18 and could be back in Edson for game five, if needed.
