John Wright/The Independent

The LCCVI Lancers boys hockey season has come to an end after losing 5-2 to the L’Essor Eagles in the SWOSSAA ‘AA’ final in Tecumseh on Tuesday afternoon.

L’Essor scored the lone of the opening period 43 seconds into the frame to take the lead.

The Eagles came out hot again in the second period, getting a great chance in the slot but LCCVI netminder Parker Needham made a blocker save to keep it a one-goal game.

LCCVI pushed hard after that and drew a power play which they were able to capitalize on when Kole Chapman slammed home a pass from Jacob Davidson to even the game.

The Lancers had a couple chances in the following minutes but L’Essor goalie Edwin Stallard was up to the task.

L’Essor took charge in the final minutes of the middle frame, scoring two goals in the final 2:05 to take a 3-1 lead to the dressing room.

Despite the deficit, LCCVI coach Chris Edgar was mainly pleased with how his team was playing.

“We went in the room and said, guys, overall you’re not playing a bad game, we just have to clean up a couple things in our own zone.”

LCCVI took those words to heart and dominated the first half of the third period with their best chance coming when Tanner Rops rang a shot from distance off the crossbar with about eight and a half minutes left.

“When we came out in the third I thought we were all over them.” Edgar said. “We had chances to tie it up and maybe take the lead but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”

The Lancers were unable to make those chances count while L’Essor was opportunistic, adding some insurance with a goal about a minute later.

Emmett Rolph got the Lancers within two by taking advantage off a fortunate bounce off the end glass with just over three minutes to go.

LCCVI had a 6-on-4 power play in the dying minutes but were unable to score.

L’Essor sealed their spot at OFSAA in Belleville with an empty net goal in the final 30 seconds.

Despite the loss, Edgar was impressed with what his team accomplished this season.

“It’s been a pretty good year. We lost a lot of players in the last few years and we knew we had another great group coming through. We started a little slow this season and we built throughout the (year). Our last three games have the best games that we’ve played so we’re happy with that.”

LCCVI’s coach believes his team will continue to be in contention going forward.

“We have a really good group of grade 11’s, 10’s, and a strong group of grade 9’s coming in so the future looks bright for Lancer hockey.”