The Lasalle Vipers closed out their final Wednesday home game of the regular season last night, earning a 6-5 overtime win against the Strathroy Rockets. The night was highlighted by an outstanding performance from Adriano Tonin, who scored four goals- including the overtime winner- to lead the Vipers to victory.
The Vipers struck first when Alec Stewart opened the scoring at 4:30, but Strathroy quickly responded, typing the game at 8:19. Late in the period, Adriano Tonin netted his first goal of the night at 17:49 to restore the Lasalle’s lead. However, a penalty to Joe Gingras at 18:46 proved costly, as Strathroy capitalized on the power play to even the score at 2 just before the intermission.
Strathroy came out strong in the second, scoring twice at 4:35 and 6:02 to take a 4-2 lead. Just 53 seconds later, the Rockets were called for cross-checking, giving Tonin the chance to score his second goal of night to cut the deficit to 4-3. The Rockets answered again at 9:03, extending their lead to 5-3. Determined to keep the Vipers in the game, Tonin completed his hat trick with another power play goal at 13:41. Both teams exchanged penalties late in the period, setting up for a tense third period.
The only goal of the period came at a crucial time. At 8:34, Kade McGeen scored his first goal as a Viper, typing the game at 5-5 and sending the contest into overtime.
For the second consecutive game, it was Adriano Tonin who played hero. With his fourth of the night, he secured the overtime win for Lasalle.
The Vipers have one more regular season home game on Sunday, March 2, before hitting the road for their final game against the Kitchener- Waterloo Siskins the following Sunday.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
