Chiefs Roll to 7-3 Win in Picton Behind Strong Debut from Derks

The Graham Carpentry Lakefield Chiefs returned to the win column on Thursday, December 4th, earning a 7–3 victory on the road against the Picton Pirates in PJHL Tod Division action.

Lakefield struck first in the opening period when Nick Stinson converted a feed from Ethan Yantha and Will Corcoran. Picton responded to even the score, but before the frame ended, Charlie Blewett restored the Chiefs’ lead with a goal assisted by Matthew D’Angelo, giving Lakefield a 2–1 edge after one.

Early in the second period, D’Angelo struck shorthanded, set up by Stinson. The Chiefs kept the momentum rolling as Owen Thake scored from Bobby Crowe and Jack Ryan, followed by Yantha adding another with helpers from Owen Hartwick and Lucas Legault. Picton added a late marker to close the gap to 5–2 heading into the third.

Lakefield extended its lead early in the final frame when Lucas Desautel scored from Yantha and D’Angelo. Before the night was over, Thake sealed the win with an empty-net goal, assisted by Crowe.

Goaltender Braeden Derks made an impressive debut for the Chiefs after being acquired from the Clarington Eagles, turning aside 41 of 44 shots.

The Chiefs (1st place 17-5-0-1-1) are back on home ice Tuesday, December 9th, when the Trent Hills Thunder (7th place 4-14-0-3-0) visit the Lakefield Smith Community Centre for a 7:25 p.m. start.