The Lasalle Vipers secured a 5-2 victory over the St. Thomas Stars in last nights GOJHL Spotlight Game of the Week. This win marks Lasalle’s third victory in four meetings against the Stars this season. It was a historic night for Captain Owen Findlay, who was honoured for breaking the franchise record of most games played (181) and tying the all- time points record for a Vipers defenseman with 96 points since the team’s inception in 2008.
The game started slow with no penalties to either team until the final minutes. At 18:29, Stefan Djordjevic and a St. Thomas player were sent to the box for roughing, setting the tone for an intense second period.
Djordjevic quickly redeemed himself in the second by opening the scoring at 3:35, giving Lasalle the lead. Connor Chartrand doubled the Vipers advantage at 11:15. The Stars responded with a power-play opportunity at 14:32 and capitalized with a shorthanded goal at 15:11. Just when the period looked like it would end with the Vipers only leading by 1, Jak Thiessen found the back of the net. His 20th of the season with just one second left on the clock.
Brendan Gouin added insurance early in the third, scoring at 4:10 to put the Vipers ahead 4-1. Adriano Tonin followed up with a goal at 10:23, further extending the lead. The Stars refused to quit, scoring their second goal of the night at 17:58 but it was too late for the Stars to attempt a comeback, resulting in a 5-2 Vipers win.
The Vipers return to action at home on Sunday, February 9th, as they take on the London Nationals. Puck drop is set for 2:30 p.m. They will then face off against the Chatham Maroons on Wednesday, February 12th.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
