The LaSalle Vipers fell just short on Wednesday night, dropping a 3-2 contest to the St. Thomas Stars in a heated match up at the Vollmer.
This game marked the Viper’s first home game of November and the return of defensemen Grady Spicer, who rejoined the lineup after serving a three-game suspension. The intensity was shown throughout the night with heavy hits and several fights breaking out.
After an even opening frame, LaSalle broke through in the second period with Michael Cunha scoring the first of the game on the power play at 3:07, followed quickly by Adriano Tonin, who doubled the lead at 5:56. The physical play ramped up shortly after with Brody Jones and Julian Gignac each dropping the gloves in separate fights.
The momentum shifted midway through the period when Kaiden Harmon was handed a 10-minute misconduct as well as a roughing minor. The Stars were able to capitalize on this powerplay, scoring at 12:31 to cut the lead in half before then tying the game just two minutes later at 14:01.
Returning from injury, Jace DeForge made his second appearance of the season for the Vipers. At 19:42, DeForge was sent to the box for high sticking, and this gave the Stars the advantage they needed to complete their comeback.
The Vipers pulled goaltender Adam Bartel late for the extra attacker but couldn’t find the equalizer to force overtime. This loss brings LaSalle’s record to 0-2 against St. Thomas this season, following a previous 5-1 defeat.
The Vipers look forward to an evening match up in Elmira this Sunday.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
