Vipers dealt first regulation loss

by Evan Mathias
The LaSalle Vipers 10 game winning streak has finally come to an end at the hands of the Leamington Flyers Oct. 23.

Through the first 15 games of their season the Vipers were undefeated in regulation. Their only loss came in a shootout against the Sarnia Legionnaires Sept. 19.

“We knew it was going to happen eventually,” said Vipers head coach Bill Bowler. “It was bound to happen. Guys would have off nights and we did, including us coaches.”

Leamington forward David Dalby opened the scoring for the Flyers mid-way through the first period beating Vipers goalie Cameron Zanussi from a sharp angle.

The Flyers built a 3-0 lead after two periods of play, on two goals by Alex Friesen.

“We didn’t show up in the first two periods, that’s why we lost,” said Vipers forward Denomme. “From our forwards to our goalies we didn’t come together as a team and didn’t play good.”

The Vipers stormed back in the third period scoring twice on the power play.

Nathan Savage got LaSalle on the board under two minutes into the period, cutting the Flyers’ lead to two goals.

The Flyers’ lead was reduced to just one goal when Dylan Denomme scored on a rebound in front of Flyers goalie Trevor Wheaton.

A late flurry led by Denomme wasn’t enough to tie the game for the Vipers. With eight seconds left in the game, Denomme made a pass to Mark Manchurek on a two-on-one. Manchurek pulled the puck to his backhand but was unable to beat Wheaton.

“It sucks, it’s a hard pill to swallow right now,” said Denomme.

With the win the Flyers tied LaSalle for first place in the Western Conference of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

“I am extremely proud that we’re talking about this streak coming to an end because of the accomplishment that we did have,” said Bowler. “Let’s hope we can go out and start a new streak.”