The LaSalle Vipers split their two-game week, defeating the Komoka Kings on Wednesday night in LaSalle before falling to the Sarnia Legionnaires on Thursday night in Sarnia.
Lee Knight’s third period goal broke a 4-4 game and lifted the Vipers to a 5-4 victory over Komoka in front of the home fans on Wednesday night. In what was a back and forth game, the Vipers had five different goal-scorers in the game, including Ashton Anderson scoring his first career goal while shorthanded in the second period. After Kings forward Nolan Burnside tied things up at 10:27 of the third, the Vipers managed to avoid overtime thanks to Knight’s third tally of the season coming with 4:06 left on the clock. Newly acquired goaltender Ian Michelone made 29 saves to earn his first victory in goal as a Viper.
Looking to make it two in a row the following night, LaSalle ran into a very hot goaltender in Logan Phillips who was by far the difference in allowing his team to escape with a victory. Despite spending much of the game inside Sarnia’s zone, the Vipers fell behind 2-0 and were unable to come back thanks to the outstanding performance by Phillips. The Legionnaires netminder stopped 43 of the 44 shots he faced overall, and was at his best in the third period where the Vipers outshot the Legionnaires 18-5. Ashton Anderson was able to get one by him for his second in as many games, but despite heavy pressure and numerous chances over the final 15 minutes, Phillips would not yield again and the buzzer sounded on a 2-1 Sarnia win.
The Vipers will enjoy the weekend off and will see their next action on Wednesday night when they host the St. Thomas Stars to begin their November slate.