Battling through team sickness and some key injuries the Vipers just couldn't do enough and settled for a disappointing tie in the first game of the Mass Hockey Tier II Bantam State Play Down. The Vipers put forth a gutsy effort but were clearly lacking that jump in their step. Despite the adversity the Vipers were able to generate quality scoring chances, hit 3 posts and were stymied by a very hot Rats goaltender who made at least 3 point blank saves off Viper sticks which for sure should have been in the Viper net. Dante Maribito fed Kyle Hentosh on a 2v1 in the second period, Hentosh seemed to have poked it through the 5 hole but the tender had no idea where the puck was as it sat in the crease behind him and was eventually cleared. Christian Kukas also blasted a slapper off the bar early in the game. Kyle Hentosh was robbed again point blank in front as Kyle Lynch set him up but the tender swiped it out of the air with his glove on a shot that was destined for the back of the net. And then with just a minute left in the game the Vipers thought they had solved the puzzle only to have the goal waved off as it seemed the puck never crossed the line as it hit the post then the back of the goalie. The Vipers get back at it today with 2 must win games if they plan on advancing to the playoff round tomorrow. Zach Laramie at the other end played a solid game, he was tested with about 3 quality scoring chances and handled them with poise and stood tall making other saves.