Lasalle - Jan. 19, 2023: Lasalle Vipers complete a 5-game winning streak over the Leamington Flyers in front of 685 fans. As of late the comeback kids continue to stay focused when trailing hockey games and find a way to come out victorious.
Leamington’s twin brothers and leading scorers of the Flyers, Connor and Ryan MacPherson looked unstoppable and stole the show for the first two periods. Connor McPherson opened the scoring with a late goal at the 19:19 minute mark of the first period. Connor fanned on a fluttering puck that found it’s way over the reached-out glove of Vipers goaltender Ian Michelone.
The Flyers came out flying in the second period when Connor MacPherson found the back of the net 1:38 into the 2nd period. Connor’s second goal of the game and 20th of the season. Connor MacPherson’s bio includes; Recipient of Southland Insurance Award as Top Rookie Scorer in Western Conference; recipient of Roy Bruhlman Memorial Award as Western Conference Rookie of the Year; selected to Western Conference All-Rookie Team; selected to GOJHL Future Stars Team; signed commitment to University of New Hampshire Wildcats NCAA D1.
Lasalle Vipers head Coach Matt Beaudoin rallied the troops at the second intermission and the Vipers came out of the gates with bite, scoring 5:54 into the third period with a nice feed from captain Spencer Lecot to Cole Davis to put the Vipers on the scoreboard. Vipers Nicholas Graniero, jumped on a rebound at 16:53 of the third, tying the game at 2-2. Late in the third when the fans were standing applauding and showing their appreciation to a well fought game by both sides and thinking the game would go to overtime. Vipers streak down into the offensive zone and with just 10 seconds left in the game Cole Davis scored a spectacular goal notching his 17th of the season which turned out to be the game winning goal.
Vipers goaltender Ian Michelone played exceptional between the pipes for his 11th win of the season making 44 saves in front of hometown fans. Vipers victory drew the Vipers two points closer to Leamington Flyers for third spot in the conference. London leads the Western Conference with 58 points, followed by Leamington with 54 points and Lasalle Vipers 52 points.
The Lasalle Vipers will take a short bus ride to Leamington on Thursday, January 19, 2023 to face the Flyers in back-to-back games. Puck drop at 7:10 pm at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre.
|
