The LaSalle Vipers picked up a crucial two points on Wednesday, defeating the St. Marys Lincolns 4-1 with just three games remaining in the regular season. With every point being vital in the playoff race, LaSalle delivered a strong performance in their final meeting of the season against St. Marys, finishing the series with three wins in four total matchups.
The opening period was very evenly played, with the only breakthrough coming off the stick of Shawn Costello. He notched his ninth goal, assisted by Josh Lepain and Charlie Moskowitz, to give the Vipers a 1-0 lead after the first 20 minutes.
The second period highlighted many penalties for both sides. Adriano Tonin was called at 4:38 before St. Marys took a penalty of their own at 7:58. Josh Lepain and a Lincolns player were sent off at 10:04, and St. Marys capitalized shortly after with the tying goal at 10:23. Lepain took another penalty just seconds later. Additional penalties late in the frame kept the game physical, but the score remained tied at one heading into the third period.
LaSalle took control in the final frame, scoring three goals to secure the win. Max Brocklehurst netted the eventual game-winner at 2:45, and Connor Chartrand extended the lead at 5:47. Lepain capped off the night with an empty-net goal at 18:34 to seal the victory.
On Sunday, the Vipers host the Strathroy Rockets, who are also battling for a playoff spot. With the postseason race tightening, every remaining game could LaSalle’s fate.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
