The Chelmsford Lions Varsity Ice Hockey team exploded in their home opener Saturday night against Waltham, netting five goals and only allowing one against the Waltham Hawks.

After a scoreless first period, Captain Tommy Bishop found the back of the net first for the Lions behind Waltham goaltender Nick Russo. The Lions again capitalized after Captain Drew Dawson buried a puck on Russo during the power play, after Waltham's Benjamen Macewen went to the penalty box for a high stick. Dawson's goal was assisted by fellow captain Jon Fairbanks. The score was 2-0 Lions heading into the third period.

The Lions made the game 3-0 just 22 seconds into the third period when Dawson put another puck past Russo from Bishop. Bishop himself would register another goal, this time on a crisp breakway, assisted by Danny Ferri and Dawson. The Lions successfully killed a penalty after CJ Emmonds was called for tripping, and after a scuffle in front of the net, the Lions were back on the power play.

The Lions netted their second power play goal of the night from Ferri, assisted by Bishop and Dawson, to make the game 5-0. Goaltender Derek Noble made a number of key stops throughout the game, but Waltham's Bryan Longmoore wouldn't let the Lions get away with the shutout. He put a puck past Noble, unassisted, with one and a half minutes left in the game. The Lions held on to win it 5-1.

The Lions will face Falmouth High School in Falmouth on Friday, Dec. 28.