For the second time this season, the LaSalle Vipers traveled to Waterloo and left with the same result as last time- a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Siskins.
The physical tone was set early, with Waterloo taking the first penalty of the game. Josh Lepain was assessed a four-minute penalty followed by two Waterloo penalties late in the frame to close out the first 20 minutes.
Kieran McNally took a tripping penalty early in the second period, but the Vipers responded shortly after. Jonah McIndoo scored his first goal as a Viper, giving us an offensive spark. Midway through the period, the Vipers were forced to kill off a lengthy 5-on-3 disadvantage. Michael Cunha was called for holding at 14:13, followed by another holding penalty to Gage Evans at 14:57. Despite the pressure, the Vipers battled through and kept the game within one.
In the third period, Adriano Tonin gave LaSalle the 2-0 lead. Waterloo responded shortly after, breaking through goaltender Jake Windbiel. LaSalle quickly regained control, as captain Connor Chartrand restored the two-goal lead, making it 3-1. However, the goal was followed by raising tensions in front of the net. Julian Gignac, Michael Cunha, along with two Waterloo players, were handed penalties, including 10-minute misconduct and roughing minors. Waterloo pushed late and cut the deficit to one with a power-play goal at 19:07, but the Vipers held strong defensively and closed out the game to secure their second 3-2 win in Waterloo this season.
After beginning January on the road, the Vipers return home on Wednesday for the fourth and final match up with the Stratford Warriors.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
