Vipers blank Predators

by Evan Mathias

After a slow start, the Lasalle Vipers bounced back to win 4-0 against the Lambton Shores Predators Oct. 17 at the Vollmer Complex.

The Vipers were forced to kill off a 5-on-3-penalty early in the first period as well as six other penalties throughout the game. Each time they killed a penalty they gained more momentum.

“That’s something that we’ve been focusing on all week,” said Vipers head coach Ryan Donally. “Any time you kill a 5-on-3 within the first two minutes of the game that’s a great way to start.”

With physical play and a strong forecheck the Vipers controlled the flow of play right from the drop of the puck. They used their speed to their advantage creating many scoring opportunities off the rush.

Dylan Denomme broke the stalemate at 14:31 of the first period when he received a pass in the slot and snapped a quick shot over the blocker of Predators goalie Brandon Campbell.

Three minutes later the Vipers struck again when Spencer VanBuskirk cut hard to the net and slid the puck short side under Campbell’s left pad.

The Vipers caught a break early in the second period when the Predators had a goal disallowed because of a high stick. The second period looked very similar to the first with the Vipers controlling much of the play. Strong defence and a relentless forecheck kept the Predators on their heels.

At 11:42 of the second period Brad Carroll extended the Vipers lead to three goals when he banged in a rebound at the side of the net after a shot from the point by Chris Pignanelli.

The Vipers chased Campbell after Korey Morgan capped off the scoring by knocking in his fifth goal of the season. Justin Tugwell replaced Campbell for the remainder of the game.

In between the second and third period, Lasalle Vipers forward Brendan McCann left the game with an undisclosed injury.

“He’s been battling a couple nagging injuries, at this point in the season we need him for down the road,” said Donally. “He really wasn’t quite sure if he was going to go tonight or not.”

The Vipers were already shorthanded and called up Sun County Panthers midget minor captain Austin Hall to replace Graeme Brown who was serving a suspension.

“He did great, he’s 15 years old coming up and playing junior B and I can’t say enough positive things about the way he played tonight. Kept it simple, worked hard, and I’m sure impressed a few scouts in the stands,” said Donally.

Hall said he tried to make the most of the opportunity to play with an older team. He said he felt it was a big change for him as a young defenceman playing against players who are stronger, faster and always finish their checks. Hall had to change his style of play for the higher skill level.

“On my regular team I’m more of a shut down guy going after their better players and here im just trying to go in there and just play a safe game and just do the best I can,” said Hall.

This is a big year for Hall, as he is eligible for the Ontario Hockey League draft in April. He said his speed and physical play is something to work on for him to impress the scouts this season.

The Predators came out in the third period playing desperate hockey but couldn’t find a way to beat Vipers goalie Conner MacKinnon, who recorded his first win of the season.

“That’s actually the first shutout of my junior career. Four years is a long time but it feels pretty good to finally get one under my belt,” said MacKinnon.

MacKinnon was quick to give his team credit for their help in the shutout win.

“They helped me out with everything, making sure that every rebound out in front of the net they were clearing, they were taking sticks away, and I thought they were a major part in this win too,” said MacKinnon.

With the win the Vipers claimed an important two points and moved into third place in the division, four points behind second place Chatham and six points behind the first place Leamington Flyers.