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1' * Acton battles losing blues with college club BY MIKE HAYAKAWA Staff Writer As a first-year student at Lake Superior State University, Will Acton is having a rewarding experience. For the most part, that 'is. ‘If there’s one thing that would make the 20-year-old Acton’s stay at the Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. campus more enjoyable, it’s suc- cess on the ice. As a forward with the Lake Superior State Lakers, the six- foot, two-inch tall, ISO-pound Acton and his teammates have been on the losing end of the scoreboard way too often. Entering the Christmas holi- days,theteamhasa2-ll-3 overall recordandisinlastplaceinthe Central Collegiate standings. That’s a far cry from his days with the Stouffville Spirit junior A club. l4 WSW-1Hme Thursday, Ian. 3,2008 He was quick to point out this year’s edition of the Lakers has 17 freshmen and saphomores. Compiling one goal and ‘But the biggest diflerence is the mistake-free type of hockey that’s played here. You can’t make mistakes at this level or you’ll get exposed.’ one assist in 15 games, Acton acknowledged there’s a big differ- ence in the calibre of play from the Provincial Junior A loop. Like night and day, he said. “The game here is a lot faster and more skilled and the players are bigger, too," he said. “When you get hit, it hurts a lot. Acknowiedging he had con- cerns about being on his own for the first time, Acton said his transition into post-secondary school was made easier through the assistance of teammates. “But the biggest difference is the mistake-free type of hockey that’s played here. You can't make mistakes at this level or you’ll get exposed.” Among them is sophomore defenceman Simon Gysbers, who played with Acton with the Spirit two seasons ago. “When I found out I was going to the same school as Simon, 1 relied on him for a lot of advice,” Acton said of the Richmond Hill native. As well, Acton played against Schofield when the latter was with the Pickering Panthers juniorAclub. Acton also credited the time spent rooming with fellow fresh- man forward Rick Schofield. Last year, they got to know each other while attending York University part-time. Yet to complete his first sea- son, Acton said he’s been a part of some memorable moments on “Playing at home is special. We have a good student section and great support from fans. And to play on the road like at Notre Dame, it was a cool experience. We got to go to a football game and they have a nice campus. Even Northem Michigan has a great set up. the ice. The biggest was recording his first collegiate goal Dec“ 8 against the University of Nebraska- Omaha that resulted in a 3-3 tie. As well, he said the atmo- sphere surrounding the collegiate game has been an eye-opening experience. WILL ACIDN: Son of Leafs’ assis- tant coach playing at Lake Superior State University in Michigan. As the son of Toronto Maple Leafs’ assistant coach Keith Acton, Will said his father hasn’t seen watch him play due to his hectic National Hockey League schedule. “Everywhere you play is unique and special," he said: But the younger Acton noted the Internet and Blackberry have enabled him to maintain close contact with his dad. At the same time, Acton said he keeps track of the Spirit. 7 “We had a tough first half where we played some tough teams and we’re definitely not where we want to be. But our record doesn’t indicate our play because we lost a lot of close games. While enjoying a break from school, Acton remains optimis- tic the Lakers can reverse their fortunes. “We feel as a team, though, we’ll be better for it. ‘ “We still have a second half to play and we’ve been putting in the time. Hopefully that will pay off down the road.” and the players are bigger, too. When you get hit, it hurts a lot.’ ‘The game here is a lot faster and more skilled Hockey win no. 28 for rod-hot bantam Clippers ' The Stouffville major bantam (Jiip- pers concluded their York Simcoe Hockey League regular season on a positive note. With a 4-2 road win over Richmond Hill, the Clippers extended their unbeatâ€" en string to 28 games and finished atop the standings with a 26-0-2 mark. Steven Tait supplied a goal and an assist. Robbie Acton, Connor Cadaret and Steven Tait added single markers. Chris Smith and Taylor Clifford col- lected assists. Sal Rabito handled net- minding duties. The Clippers were in the Czech Republic during the Christmas holiday to play exhibition games. Stouflvflle hockey tourney features 5 Cllpper teams Minor pee wee A, minor pee wee AE, pee wee AE, midget A and minor midget AB rep teams hit the ice for a Whitchurch Stouffville Minor Hockey Association tournament tomorrow to Sunday. Firstoround games are at Stouffville Arena, Markham Centennial Arena and Crosby Arena in Unionville. Semifinals and finals are Sunday at Stoufiville Arena starting at 8:10 am. and continuing through the day. The Clippers will field teams in the minor pee wee A. minor pee wee AE. pee wee AE, midget A and minor midg- et AE divisions. Check out www.wsmha.com for more information. â€" Mike Hayakawa