The Lakewood Leopards had been waiting for this one. After falling to East Columbus earlier in the season, Tuesday night’s rematch was not just another conference game, it was a chance for redemption. And Lakewood seized it, overpowering the Gators 7-2 in front of their home crowd behind a relentless attack and a hat trick from defenseman John Fernandez (6).

From the opening kickoff, it was clear the Leopards came prepared. They dominated possession, kept the ball on East Columbus’ side of the field, and peppered the Gator net with shots from the start. Early chances from Alexander Velasquez (20), Cris Cortez (7), and Ivan Castaneda (11) tested the East Columbus keeper, but solid saves kept the game scoreless through the first 20 minutes.

That changed when Anner Yanes (9) finally broke t

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