The Graham Carpentry Lakefield Chiefs opened their PJHL Tod Division semifinal playoff series in strong fashion this past week, earning back-to-back wins to take an early series lead.
Game 1 was played Saturday, March 7 at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, where the Chiefs skated to a 5–2 victory. Five different players found the back of the net for Lakefield, including Caleb Bidgood, Charlie Blewett, Matthew D’Angelo, Owen Thake and Ryan Bell. Thake and Bell each added an assist for two-point performances on the night.
Will Corcoran and Brayden D’Innocenzo each recorded two assists, while Nick Stinson and Bobby Crowe added single helpers. Goaltender Braeden Derks turned aside 16 of 18 shots to earn the win.
The Chiefs followed that performance with another victory in Game 2 on Tuesday, March 10, also in Lakefield, defeating the Picton Pirates 4–2.
Charlie Blewett led the offensive charge with two goals and one assist. Owen Thake and Ethan Yantha each scored once, with Yantha also adding two assists. Additional assists came from Bennett Harty, Matthew D’Angelo, Nick Stinson and Caleb Bidgood.
Derks was again solid between the pipes, making 19 saves on 21 shots.
With the two wins, Lakefield takes a 2–0 lead in the best-of-seven series as it shifts to Picton for the next two games. Game 3 is set for Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m., followed by Game 4 on Saturday, March 14, also at 7:30 p.m.
If necessary, the series will return to Lakefield for Game 5 on Sunday, March 15 at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
