The Lasalle Vipers hosted the Listowel Cyclones in their final home game of 2024. The Vipers were looking to bounce back after Saturday’s loss to London. The last time the Vipers hosted Listowel, they came out on top in an 8-6 win. However, their last trip to Listowel resulted in a tough 1-0 loss.
The Vipers came out with energy but only faced penalties in the first period. Jake Windbiel got the start in goal for Lasalle. Matteo Vilardi was called for holding at 5:00. The Cyclones then took a penalty at 8:29. The last penalty of the period was handed to Kieran McNally at 13:12. Neither team could find the back of the net, ending the first scoreless.
The game turned in Listowel’s favour during the middle frame. The Cyclones scored three quick goals in the span of just four minutes. Their first goal came at 15:06 then their second followed closely at 15:42. Nick Graniero did manage to put the Vipers on the board at 17:53. Listowel added a third goal at 19:01. Vipers down by two heading into the last 20 minutes of play.
Former Viper Wylie Birkett delivered the eventual game-winning goal for the Cyclones at 7:01. Lasalle refused to back down, Brody Jones scored his third of the season at 7:59. A fight gave the Vipers enough motivation to pull the score within one. Connor Chartrand scoring the third goal at 14:37. Unfortunately, the Cyclones went on to score an empty-net goal. Final score 5-3 Listowel.
Despite the loss, the Vipers will look to end the year on a high note as they head to Stratford on Friday and Komoka on Saturday. The next home game for the Vipers will be played on January 8th, 2025
