The LaSalle Vipers picked up four points with back-to-back victories this past Wednesday and Thursday, defeating the Strathroy Rockets at home before heading to Sarnia to take down the Legionnaires.
The Rockets made their first visit to the Vollmer this season and wasted no time opening the scoring at 5:02 of the first period. Connor Chartrand tied things up at 11:34, and just 53 seconds later Julian Gignac gave the Vipers the lead. With these back-to-back goals, the momentum swung in LaSalle’s favor.
The Vipers came out flying in the second period, scoring three goals before the 10-minute mark. Mateo Vilardi opened the frame at 2:26. Less than a minute later, Kade McGeen scored at 3:04. Newly acquired forward Josh Lepain scored his first goal as a Viper at 9:09, making it 5-1. Strathroy added their second of the night at 13:09 to close out the period.
Strathroy came close during the third period, scoring on the power play while Joe Gingras was serving a minor penalty. With Julian Gignac in the box late, the Rockets struck again at 19:34 to pull the game within one. Chartrand sealed the win with an empty-net goal just three seconds before the final whistle.
The Vipers carried their momentum into Sarnia the following night. The Legionnaires opened the scoring on the power play at 6:03 after the first penalty of the game was called to Kieran McNally. The Vipers answered before the end of the period, with Josh Lepain finding the back of the net 15:48. Shortly after, Ian Inskip gave LaSalle a 2-1 lead heading into the intermission.
The second period was a quieter one, featuring just one penalty per side. Josh Lepain continued his strong play, scoring his second goal of the night at 18:32 to extend the Vipers lead.
LaSalle wasted no time in the third, as Nick Rosati scored on the power play just 19 seconds into the period. Despite facing four penalties in the final frame, the Vipers penalty kill stood tall. Joe Gingras finalized the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 16:42.
Josh Lepain capped off an outstanding night with five points and reached the 100-point milestone of his career.
The Vipers’ week isn’t over yet, as they head down the highway to Chatham on Sunday for a matchup with the Maroons.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
