The Lakehead Thunderwolves picked a lousy time to pick up their first playoff loss of 2014.
The men's hockey team put up a stinker of a performance Thursday in a 7-1 loss to the Windsor Lancers in the opening game of their best-of-three OUA West final.
Spencer Pommels scored twice to pace the Windsor attack, which chased LU starting goalie Jeff Bosch midway through the second after scoring four times on 23 shots.
Richard Cameron, who opened the scoring at 7:27 of the first, Saverio Posa, Ryan Crevatin, Derek Lanoue and Matt Beaudoin also scored for the host Lancers.
Keith Grondin scored the lone goal for Lakehead late in the third.
The Wolves will look to keep their season alive on Saturday night when Game 2 shifts to Fort William Gardens.
Game 3, if necessary, goes Sunday night.
Should the Lancers oust the Thunderwolves, Lakehead will still have one last chance to earn a spot at nationals. The loser of the OUA conference finals will play a one-game bronze-medal contest to earn the conference's wild-card berth at the University Cup. If Lakehead loses they would travel to either Carleton or McGill. Carleton drew first blood against the Redmen on Thursday, winning Game 1 of their series 5-2.
