The LaSalle Vipers are back at the Vollmer for another season! This past Wednesday, the Vipers opened the year with a matchup against the London Nationals, taking the game to overtime before falling 5-4 in the season opener.
The first period was a tight battle, with both teams generating quality chances. The Vipers killed off two penalties and went to the power play once. It looked like the game would head to intermission scoreless, but the Nationals broke through with a goal at 19:37.
LaSalle responded quickly to start the second. Just nine seconds after a London penalty, newly signed Grady Spicer buried a power play goal at 2:37 for his first as a Viper. Less than two minutes later, Spicer struck again to give LaSalle the lead. Despite back-to-back penalties, the Nationals tied the game before pulling ahead 3-2 at 11:20. Veteran forward Julian Gignac, last season’s point leader, answered back to even things up at three apiece.
The third period was highlighted by the young Vipers. Rookie Seth Coomber scored at 8:00, assisted by Spicer (his third point of the night) and second year forward Joe Gingras. London battled back once more, tying the game late to force overtime.
It only took the Nationals 34 seconds into the extra frame to score the winner.
The Vipers are back at home next Wednesday to take on the Chatham Maroons, a familiar opponent after meeting them twice in the preseason.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
