The LaSalle Vipers’ 2025-26 season came to an end on Tuesday night, falling 7-4 to the Elmira Sugar Kings in Game 6 of the first-round.
In front of yet another packed crowd at the Vollmer, the Vipers came out strong and showed early promise. The only goal of the opening period came off the stick of Josh Lepain, who buried it into the open-net off a pass from Luke St. John to give LaSalle a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Vipers carried their efforts into the second period, extending their lead just 2:04 in as Max Brocklehurst found the back of the net. The lead looked promising to the Vipers as they went up 2-0. Shortly after, LaSalle was awarded a four-minute power play but was unable to capitalize. Elmira responded midway through the frame, scoring twice at 10:45 and 16:00 to even the game at 2-2 heading into the third period.
LaSalle regained the lead early in the third, as Connor Chartrand scored at 1:39 to make it 3-2. However, the Sugar Kings answered quickly, scoring five goals in a span of ten minutes to take control of the game and put the comeback out of reach for the Vipers. Elmira’s goals came at 4:06, 4:58, 5:43, 8:39 and 14:22. Nic Rosati added LaSalle’s fourth goal at 14:44.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Vipers’ season officially came to a close. Despite the result, LaSalle has lots of be proud of, as they entered the playoffs as the seventh seed and pushed the second-seeded Sugar Kings to six hard-fought games, showcasing the resilience, determination and heart of this group.
The organization would like to thank its players, staff, fans, volunteers, sponsors, and the entire LaSalle community for their support all season long.
The Vipers are already looking forward to September and the start of a new season of hockey in LaSalle.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
