The LaSalle Vipers hosted the reigning Sutherland Cup champions, the Chatham Maroons, on Wednesday night at the Vollmer. After losing twice to them in the preseason, Chatham once again came away with the victory. Goaltender Jake Windbiel returned to the crease for LaSalle, facing a total of 45 shots.
Chatham came to play, striking twice just over a minute apart at 5:27 and 6:30 of the first period. LaSalle faced some penalty trouble when Julian Gignac sat for back-to-back cross-checking minors.
In the second period, rookie forward Nick Rosati scored his first career GOJHL goal midway through, cutting the score in half. The Maroons answered quickly with two more goals to restore a three-goal lead heading into the final frame.
Connor Chartrand found the back of the net early in the third for his first of the season but unfortunately for the Vipers, Chatham continued to press. They scored their fifth at 5:28, then capitalized on a Kaiden Harmon penalty to extend the lead to 6-2. Two more Chatham markers at 10:40 and 14:42 sealed the win.
The Vipers look to regroup before taking on the St. Mary’s Lincolns this Friday and then return home Wednesday to face the Sarnia Legionnaires.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
