The balanced scoring attack continued as did the airtight defense of the 98 Vipers as they used four 2nd period goals to beat the very dangerous Spartans. With defenseman Aaron Dollin forced out of the game with a concussion after a major-game contact to the head penalty the Viper D was also forced to come up big. Eight different Vipers got on the scoresheet led by Noah Maercklein (1-1-2) and Ross Wahl (0-2-2). Braden Haley, Brendan White, Evan Daddario and Kyle Lynch would tally and JT Chamberlain, Dante Maribito and Wahl would add the helpers. Patrick McCarthy and Christian Kukas would stand out on defense as all 5 D would continue to play some fine hockey. It was another solid game for the red line as Wahl, Daddario, and Haley had another strong game and the White line of Whitey, Noah and JT are starting to find their groove. Aaron McDonnell and Nick Fiorentino combined for the win in the cage
With a very tough schedule on tap between the Glades and Spartans and no downtime the 98s responded very well in a sound 3-1 win over the Glades. After giving up an early first period goal the Vipers struck for 3 in the second and hung on for the big win. For the third game in a row the Vipers got goals from all 3 lines in what is turning out to be a very balanced offensive attack. Kyle Hentosh opened the scoring from Kyle Lynch, JT Chamberlain from Brendan White got what proved to be the game winner half way through the second and Evan Daddario from Ross Wahl with just 30 seconds left was a back breaker for the pesky Glades. The Vipers have received solid play from the newly formed red line of Daddario, Haley and Wahl, still trying to find their comfort zone with each other they turned in a fine weekend.
The Vipers scored 3 second period goals, and again had scoring from all 3 lines as they won the nightcap in Exeter. The Vipers cashed in on 2 power play goals by JT Chamberlain (2-0-2) and Brendan White (1-1-2). Kyle Lynch (0-2-2) made the play of the day as he was set up just below the goal line next to the net, he spotted Kyle Hentosh (1-0-1) streaking to the net from the bench and made an incredible back door pass through traffic that Henny one-timed into the open net, which also turned out to be the game winner. Noah Maercklein picked up 2 assists and continued his fine two way play, Dante Maribito (1-1-2) contributed with a nice solo effort, and Evan Daddario would round out the scoring. Braden Haley and Steven Tettoni would pick up single helpers. The defense of Alex Delvento, Patrick McCarthy, Steven Tettoni, Ryan Connearney, Christian Kukas and Aaron Dollin turned in their second consecutive solid outing, that combined with the timely goaltending of Aaron McDonnell made it a 2-fer Saturday.
The 98 Vipers used an aggressive forecheck and air-tight defense and got scoring from all three lines in this one as they shutout the Monarchs on Saturday morning. The green line of Kyle Lynch (0-2-2), Kyle Hentosh (2-0-2) and Dante Maribito (0-2-2) led the way, while Braden Haley, assisted by Ross Wahl, Aaron Dollin, and Noah Maercklein assisted by JT Chamberlain also lit the lamp. Alex Delvento played a solid game on the blueline for the Vipers, as he played with confidence and poise. Nick Fiorentino went the distance between the pipes picking up the victory.
The last game of the weekend was a rematch of the Cyclones Tourney Championship game and the Vipers won this one going away as they scored 7 goals over the final 2 periods. Kyle Lynch (3-1-4) and Kyle Hentosh (2-2-4) would pace the offense and Steven Tettoni would continue to shine on the blue line, Alex Delvento and Patrick McCarhty would also add solid defensive efforts. Evan Daddario, JT Chamberlain, and defenseman Patrick McCarthy would all light the lamp as well. Assists would go to Dante Maribito(2), Brendan White, Christian Kukas, Braden Haley and Ross Wahl. It was a nice way to end the first week of league action. With one bump in the road along the way the most impressive part of the Vipers was their ability to respond.