The LaSalle Vipers battled through a snowy Sunday night matchup in Elmira, defeating the Sugar Kings 5-4 in overtime. This was the Vipers second visit to Elmira this season and a much different contest than the first, when they were shut out 4-0.
Jake Windbiel made his return to the lineup after missing a few games with a minor injury. The first period was evenly played with only one penalty being called to Julian Gignac. Kade McGeen opened the scoring late in the first period at 17:51, giving LaSalle the jump they needed.
Connor Chartrand extended the lead to 2-0 of the second period and shortly after Michael Cunha added to the tally on the powerplay. Elmira responded quickly at 7:11, but rookie Luke St. John restored the three-goal lead with his first career GOHL goal, also on the powerplay, making it 4-1 heading into the third.
The Sugar Kings refused to go quietly, coming back with three unanswered goals in the final frame, including a shorthanded tally at 10:47 to even things up at 4-4 and sending the game to overtime.
In the extra frame, St. John once again played the hero. At 5:27 of overtime, he buried his second of the night assists credited to Nic Rosati and Kaiden Harmon.
The Vipers now look forward to a week against the Eastern Conference. On Wednesday, the Ayr Centennials are in town and on Friday, the Vipers travel to Caledon.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
