The Vipers made their first trip to Stratford since last year’s playoff series, but the night didn’t go their way as they fell 7-1 to the Warriors.
Stratford opened the scoring midway through the first period with goals at 7:29 and 9:14 to take control early. They extended their lead with two more in the late minutes of the first, including one with just 50 seconds left, sending LaSalle into intermission down 4-0.
The second period saw plenty of opportunities for the Vipers, who were awarded four powerplays but were unable to convert on any. Ian Inskip scored the lone goal of the night for LaSalle. Stratford quickly responded, restoring their four-goal lead before the end of the frame.
In the third, Stratford continued to press, scoring twice more. Once at 2:48 and again at 17:08, to seal the 7-1 victory. Both teams combined for six penalties in the final 20.
The Vipers will be back home on Wednesday night when they host the Komoka Kings, before heading out for another back-to-back road weekend in Strathroy and Chatham.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
