News

LaSalle, ON - After a five month, 50 game stretch, the LaSalle Vipers are ready to start the second season as they host Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series at the Vollmer Complex tonight.

The Vipers come into the playoffs as the top seed in the West, the first time the team has clinched first overall in the club's history in LaSalle.

For their efforts, the Vipers will open up against the 8th place Strathroy Rockets.

LaSalle swept the regular season series with the Rockets 6-0, but as Vipers Head Coach/GM Bill Bowler says, it was not as easy as it appears.

"They were all close games, with a couple of them going to overtime," Bowler states. "Especially come playoff time, anything can happen. If you run into a hot goaltender or you don't capitalize on your opportunities, it can turn into a long series."

Manny Silverio had a goal and six assists against Strathroy in the regular season, while Brett Primeau added five goals and two helpers.

Goaltender Eli Billing was 4-0 with a 2.73 goals against average and a 0.913 save percentage in the season series.

Bowler admits despite their regular season success, they do face a dilemma in the series.

"Strathroy plays in a real small building and they play extremely well at home," Bowler mentions. "The key for us is to worry about our home games but if there's a way to steal a game in their arena we can take control of the series."

Another key to the series, and a long playoff run at that, is health.

Jack Van Boekel is still not able to play and Brett Banwell will be a game time decision tonight, but the team is relatively healthy after having a week off between the regular season and playoffs.

"Everyone has injuries this time of year," Bowler reflects. "We certainly want to get those guys back because they help our squad. Staying healthy is so important in this league if you're going to make a run."

As we close the book on the regular season, Bowler admits this year is one he's certainly proud of.

"To finish first is a great accomplishment," Bowler boasts. "There's no question we've made our mark in junior hockey this year."