On Wednesday night, the Predators travelled down
the 401 to LaSalle to face the second place
Vipers. The last meeting between the two clubs
in Forest saw the Preds squeeze out a 4-3 shoot
out victory. This night the Preds returned to
LaSalle to avenge the season opening loss to the
Vipers.
The Preds started slow. Sean Parker was in goal
and made several keys stops early in the game.
After spotting the Vipers a three goal lead,
Adam Arseneault started the string of seven
unanswered goals and scored on the powerplay
from Ryan Rupert and Kevin Raine. The unit of
Arseneault, Raine, Rupert, Matt Rupert and Dan
Morin exploded to score three more over the next
two minutes and eight seconds to give the Preds
a 4-3 lead after the first period. Ryan Rupert
from Adam Arseneault and Matt Rupert. Matt
Rupert from Dan Morin and Kevin Raine. And, Matt
Rupert from Ryan Rupert. Going into the first
intermission, the Vipers did not know what just
hit them.
In the second, the Preds continued their
assault, stuck to the game plan and played well
defensively. The PK on the night was great
killing 6 of 7 Viper powerplays. The Preds
scored two more to make it 6-3. Scoring his
first of the season was Aidan Orbinski from
Christian Babb and James Pursell. Ryan Rupert
scored his second of the game unassisted.
In the third, the Preds finished matters when
Matt Rupert completed the hat trick on a goal
from Adam Arseneault and Brendon Merritt. While
Brendon Merritt scored an empty netter giving
the Preds an impressive 8-4 win.
Saturday night the Preds are at home to face St.
Mary's, puck drop is 7:30 pm.