The LaSalle Vipers scored three late third period goals to pull away from the Sarnia Legionnaires on route to a 4-2 on Thursday night in Sarnia.
Sarnia forward Josh Barraclough scored in the first period and Vipers defenseman Abdul Abouzeeni replied in the second and the score remained locked at 1-1 deep into the third. The big goal of the evening came when Jake Archer found some room coming over the blueline and let go a hard slapper that beat Legionnaires netminder Nolan DeKoning over the glove to give the Vipers the lead with just under six minutes to go. Not long after, Stephane Crevier broke away with some great speed and used a quick shot that again beat DeKoning over the glove for the goal that eventually became the game-winner.
After Evan Ferguson and Carson Peer traded late goals, some rough stuff broke out in front of the LaSalle net as time expired. Everyone on the ice was paired off with another combatant in the donnybrook, but with more to play for on another day, the Vipers players kept their cool and left the ice with a big 4-2 victory.
The win and a Chatham loss clinched home-ice advantage for the Vipers in the first round playoff series against the Maroons.
Next up is the final game of the regular-season on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 against the Komoka Kings. With Hometown Hockey in attendance, we expect a big crowd and an exciting atmosphere for our players and fans.
