After a week of rest, the Lasalle Vipers returned home to face their highway rivals, the Chatham Maroons. Despite multiple powerplay opportunities, the Vipers struggled offensively and fell to the Maroons in a 6-1 defeat. The Vipers penalty kill also faced challenges, allowing in three shorthanded goals. Newly acquired forward Kade McGeen made his debut with the Vipers. A Windsor native, McGeen was picked him up from the Komoka Kings, where he tallied 19 points in 31 games this season.
The Vipers got off to a promising start when Alec Stewart opened the scoring at 8:43 into the first period. Unfortunately, that would be the only goal for Lasalle. Goaltender Jake Windbiel stopped a penalty shot at 12:02. Chatham found the back of the net at 13:33, ending the first period in a 1-1 tie after both teams took roughing penalties at 19:31.
The second period saw Chatham capitalize on a powerplay opportunity scoring at 8:37 after Bryce Belleau was called for interference. The Maroons picked up a 10- minute misconduct at 16:49 but again Lasalle couldn’t take advantage of the man advantage.
The third period ultimately sealed the game for the Maroons. They scored at 7:56 and 10:50 to make it 4-1. A penalty to Noah Caswell at 14:14 led to another Maroons powerplay goal just 21 seconds later. Kade McGeen received a game misconduct and a 5-minute major at 16:12. Chatham closed out the scoring at 17:50 on that powerplay. Final score 6-1.
The Vipers are on the road next. Playing in Listowel on Sunday January 19th. Next home game is Wednesday January 22nd vs the Komoka Kings. Puck drop is at 7:00.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
