Pesky Vipers Fall Short In London

The LaSalle Vipers saw their two-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the first-place London Nationals, despite a scrappy effort on Saturday night in London.

Playing without several key regulars, including captain Spencer Lecot, the Vipers stuck right with the conference’s top team, tying the game at 2-2 in the third period on a breakaway goal by rookie forward Cole Davis. The Nationals however would get the game-winner on what was Jacob Julien’s third-goal of the night to break the deadlock at 11:44 of the of the third. They would add an empty-netter to put it away and take a 4-2 victory on home ice.

Despite being outshot 37-29, LaSalle threw everything they had at the Nationals and had plenty of chances to have the outcome turn out differently. Tre Altiman was again stellar in the crease for the Vipers, making 34 saves and allowing his team to stay clsoe throughout. Rookie defenseman Carson Woodall scored the first Vipers goal to tie the game at 1-1 midway through the second period, until Julien’s second of the game restored London’s one-goal lead just four minutes later.

Taking 4 of 6 points in what was their most challenging week of the season to date, the Vipers will look to build off their recent play in upcoming games against Komoka and Sarnia. They will host the Kings on Wednesday night before heading to Sarnia on Thursday.