In their third matchup of the season, the Lasalle Vipers travelled to Strathroy to face the Rockets. The Vipers had won the previous two contests but this time the Rockets took this one 2-1 in extra time.
The opening period saw strong goaltending which kept the game scoreless. Logan Phillips faced 13 shots this period. Both teams played disciplined, penalty-free hockey through the first 20 minutes.
The Vipers opened the scoring at 10:24 of the second period. Brendan Gouin, with help from Joe Gingras, converted on a two-on-one rush for his 8th goal of the season. Shortly after, Nick Graniero was called for cross-checking and a minor altercation between Michael Lavigne and a Rockets player resulted in two minutes of 4-on-4 hockey. The Rockets were awarded a penalty shot at 16:09 but Phillips stayed strong, keeping the Vipers in the lead.
Strathroy finally broke through at 13:58 into the third period to tie the game. The Vipers had an opportunity on the powerplay just moments later at 14:11 but couldn’t capitalize. Neither team could score again in regulation, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime didn’t last long, as the Rockets scored just 58 seconds into the extra frame. Despite the outcome, Phillips stopped 43 shots on the night. Final score 2-1.
The Vipers now turn their attention to a challenging home-and-home series next week against the first place St. Mary’s Lincolns.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo