The Lakers jumped to an early lead with two first-period goals, including Farmer's first tally at 11:25, assisted by Harrison Caines and Kyle Foreman. Devyn Mayea doubled the lead three minutes later, sending the Ridgebacks into the first intermission trailing 2-0.

Ontario Tech responded early in the second frame. Alex Drover and Braiden Koran each scored within a minute to even the game at 2-2. However, Nipissing reclaimed control as Noah Vom Scheidt, Farmer, and Foreman added three consecutive goals to end the period up 5-2.

Justin Svenson scored a power-play goal for Ontario Tech early in the third, with Matt Wisener adding another man-advantage marker midway through the frame to narrow the gap to one. Despite outshooting the Lakers 34-31, the Ridgebacks couldn't find the equalizer.

The Ridgebacks will now turn their attention to the second annual Carriage Cup on Thursday, January 16, when they take on the TMU Bold.