Again it took the Vipers a bit longer to get going but they are slowly getting back into form as they rolled past the Pirates 5-0. The Vipers displayed complete dominance and control as the Pirates could only muster 3 shots on net or so as the Vipers consistently applied pressure in the other end. Finally it took one shift from Evan Daddario (2-0-2), Ross Wahl, Noah Maercklein (0-2-2), Patrick McCarthy(1-0-1) and Ryan Connearney to put the Vipers up 2-0. The first came on an absolute rocket from Daddario who has turned his game up a notch as he let a laser go from just inside the blueline that broke off the goalies stick, Ryan Connearney(0-2-2) and Ross Wahl picked up the assists with some good neutral zone transition. The second was a greasey goal from Daddario as he jammed in a rebound, but the play was started with another fine play of the stick of Connearney as he made a good read and play at the blueline. Alex Delvento would stretch the lead to 3-0 as he jumped up into a rush by Kyle Hentosh and Kyle Lynch and he was able to pick up the garbage with another dirty goal. Patrick McCarthy from the point and Dante Maribito through traffic would round out the scoring in this one. Aaron McDonnell had a relatively easy time of it between the pipes making a handful of saves
The Vipers used 3 first period goals, 2 of them 40 seconds apart to skate past Top Gun Non-Elite 8-0 at the Top Gun Invitational. The Vipers again got contributions from all 3 lines in this effort as well as another steady peformance on the blue line. Evan Daddario (2-1-3) Kyle Lynch (1-2-3) Dante Maribito (2-1-3), and Noah Maercklein (1-2-3) all had 3 point games as Daddario continues to be red hot. Kyle Hentosh and Ross Wahl both chipped in with 2 assists. Patrick McCarthy also got on the board with a pretty individual effort for the goal. The Vipers have not given up a goal in the first 3 games of the tournament as Aaron McDonnell did his part between the pipes to keep the streak alive. The Vipers next take on CP Dynamo as they chase a #1 seed for the playoffs
The 98s came out like the 98s of hold for the first period, going up 3-0 and finishing the period 4-1, but would blow one more 3 goal led but eventually hold onto a 6-5 win. Kyle Hentosh (2-1-3),Christian Kukas (PP Goal), Ross Wahl (1-1-2) and Brendan White would all strike for first period tallies as this one looked like it was going to be a blowout as the Vipers came out flying in this one. Each team would get 2 goals each in the second as Evan Daddario and Hentosh's second, Wahl and Dante Maribito (0-2-2) picking up helpers would give the Vipers a 6-3 lead after 2. The Vipers would not find the back of the net again and the Bobcats would score 2 goals in 40 seconds to make it 6-5, for the second time this weekend the Vipers killed off a pulled goalie situation and held onto the win. Patrick McCarthy would once again chip in with a solid efort, Steven Tettoni and Zach Laramie, who came on in relief also played big parts in the win.
Trying to return to playing sound Viper hockey the 98s took a small step toward that goal while grinding out a 2-1 win over Pro Ambitions. The Vipers special teams killed off a 6 on 4 in the last minute of the game which was backboned by goalie Zach Laramie who was solid between the pipes, especially in the third period coming up with about 3 point blank saves. The Pro Ambitions goaltender was much busier down the other end as if not for him and a couple of posts this one could have been broken open. Pro Ambitions took an early lead on the power play just 2:30 into the game, but it only took the Vipers 26 seconds to answer as Brendan White walked in on the right side firing a wrister that found the back of the night, Dom Cappadona and JT Chamberlain picked up assists on the play. The game would stay that way until 5 minutes left in the game as Kyle Lynch pounced on a Steven Tettoni rebound and poked it in for the game winner. Patrick McCarthy and Ryan Connearney chipped in with fine games from the blue line