Last week's home game against St. Thomas was postponed giving the LaSalle Vipers an extra four days to build up for their first game of the second half. As it turned out the delay was worth the wait. LaSalle fired 45 shots at London goalie Aiden Berry in a 4-1 win over the division leading Nationals Sunday afternoon at the Vollmer Complex, "Nice way to start the second half", said head coach Matt Beaudoin.
LaSalle got on the board early when Stephane Crevier scored his 11th of the season 1:38 into the game. Drew Booker, with his 6th, made it 2-0 midway through the first frame. 38 seconds later London's Jacob Julien cut the lead in half.
The Vipers held a 24-17 edge in shots in the second period but both Allen and LaSalle's Kyle Downey held down the fort setting up an exciting third period.
Andrew Kotevski scored the insurance marker at 12:44 with his 4th of the season while Nic Pavia sealed the deal with an open netter, "I thought our guys did a great job buying into the game plan and a certain style of play we believe we need to be successful", said Beaudoin.
"We played hard all over the ice and turned out a solid defensive effort against a potent offence".
After spending half the season with the Windsor Spitfires, goalie Kyle Downey made 36 saves in his first start in LaSalle, "He was great for us", said Beaudoin. "I was impressed with his composure and he competes hard. We're excited to have him in LaSalle".
The win moves the Vipers' season record to 13-11-2-1. Next up: The Chatham Maroons visit the Vollmer Complex Wednesday.
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