The Lasalle Vipers opened their 2024-25 season last night vs the London Nationals. The Lasalle Vipers ended their 23-24 regular season with 61 points, two spots behind the Western Conference leaders: the London Nationals. After an upsetting second round exit due to the Nationals in last season’s playoffs, the Vipers were looking for a way to prove themselves. Two milestone first GOJHL goals helped secure the first win of the season for the Vipers.
Throughout the hard-fought first period, neither team was able to score. Both teams were successful in killing off their respective penalties. The shots were 12-7 in favour of London at the end of the first.
Brendan Gouin opened the scoring at the 4:12 point in the second period. Gouin was traded from the Chatham Maroons last season in exchange for defencemen Josh Harding. He had 3 points in 7 regular season games with the Vipers after being acquired. The Nationals couldn’t get one past the pads of Dante Bertolin, who made 30 saves by the end of the contest.
Julian Gignac opened the third period by scoring his first GOJHL goal in 0:51 seconds. The Vipers were up 2-0 until halfway through the period when the Nationals scored their first goal of the game. The chances of winning were hopeful as they entered the last minute, 2-1 until the Nationals pulled their goalie and on a 6 on 5 with 48 seconds left in the game, the Nationals scored.
Heading into the extra frame, Matteo Vilardi only needed 1:56 to put the game winner into the back of the net. This goal was Vilardi’s first GOJHL goal and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Overtime assists being credited to Brendan Gouin and Brody Jones. Final score 3-2.
The Lasalle Vipers have their first away game this Sunday September 15, 2024, vs the Elmira Sugar Kings. Puck drop is at 2:00pm.
The next home game is Wednesday September 18, 2024, vs the Sarnia Legionnaires. Puck drop is at 7:00pm.
