The Lasalle Vipers faced the St. Thomas Stars in another midweek matchup at the Vollmer Culture R.C. The last time these 2 teams faced off, the Vipers won in a shootout. This time around, the Vipers secured the win again. Thanks to a stellar performance by rookie forward Max Brocklehurst, who netted his first GOJHL hat trick.
Dante Bertolin started his first game after being out of the lineup for 9 games. The Stars took an early lead scoring just 17 seconds into the game. The Vipers didn’t panic though as they fought through a powerplay, and a penalty kill and only remained down by 1 at the end of the first period.
The Vipers came out to play in the second period as we saw 5 goals. Alec Stewart tied the game at 5:09. Max Brocklehurst scored back-to-back goals at 6:46 and 9:44. Only 2 minutes and 58 seconds apart. Stefan Djordjevic added to the tally at 13:13, followed by Matteo Vilardi’s 6th of the season, 24 seconds later. The Stars responded late in the period making it 5-2 heading into the final 20 minutes.
The St. Thomas Stars embarked on a comeback effort, scoring twice to close the gap to 5-4. Both of them being powerplay gaols. The Vipers restored their lead at 9:31 when Jak Thiessen netted his 12th of the season. Max Brocklehurst sealed the game, completing his hat trick with an empty net goal at 19:11.
The Vipers next play in Komoka on Saturday November 23rd. Then are back home on Wednesday November 27th to face the Stratford Warriors for the first time this season
