The Edina Lakers and first year head coach Joe Long opened their 2011-2012 MNJHL season up in Maple Grove vs the Energy.  The Energy were opening their first season as a franchise.  Things started quickly for the Energy, just 14 seconds into the game TJ Marquardt tipped an AJ Antal shot past Lakers netminder Brenden Kruckenberg for a 1-0 lead.  Later in the first period, the Lakers tied the score with a power play goal from new Laker Brad Johnson.  Nick Anderson assisted.  Still in the first period, the Lakers struck again as Tyler Brodersen scored a power play goal to put the men in purple up 2-1. 

The Energy tied things up early in the second period on a goal by Ivo Dimitrijevs at 2:19.  Just about 10 minutes later, Tadayoshi Shibata was credited with his first goal as a Laker.  This a power play tally assisted by Tyler Brodersen.  Then, at 15:01 of the second period, Tony Martirosian scored a power play goal from Mac Dow and the Lakers were up 4-2.

The power play shenanigans continued for the Lakers in the third period as Tyler Brodersen scored his second goal of the game with the assists going to Brad Johnson and Connor Bodin.  Finally, at 16:42 of the third the Lakers got their sixth power play goal from Tadayoshi Shibata with the assist going to Connor Bodin and the Laker win 6-2.

The Lakers ended up 6 for 11 on the power play, showing strong signs for the upcoming season.  Tony Martirosian was a strong presence on defense, showing vast improvement over the off season.  Tyler Brodersen and Connor Bodin also had big games.  Two new comers with high expectations, Brad Johnson and Tadayoshi Shibata, did not disappoint. 

Congratulations to head coach Joe Long on his first victory.  The Lakers open their home portion of the schedule on Sunday September 18^th at 5pm vs the Energy.