Maroons fall 5-2 to Vipers in Game 1

The Chatham Maroons dropped a 5-2 decision to the LaSalle Vipers in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarter-final playoff series on Wednesday.

The Chatham Maroons jumped out to an early lead in the first period, however, the score was tied at one each at the end of the frame. Rory Elson and Aidan Hill assisted on Connor Paronuzzi’s goal at 4:40. The Vipers scored at the 7:22 mark.

Maroons goalie Brett Fullerton and the Vipers goaltender Ian Micheloni both faced 10 shots in the first period.

The Vipers scored at the 45-second mark of the second period and again at 4:41 . The teams went into the second intermission with LaSalle leading 3-1 even though the Maroons outshot the Vipers 13-12.

The Maroons got within one when Julien Gervais scored with only 21 seconds gone on the clock in the third. Rory Elson and Connor Paronuzzi each picked up their second point of the game on Gervais’ goal.

The Vipers scored one minute and 30 seconds later, restoring their two-goal lead.

Fullerton was pulled at the 18:55 mark to give the Maroons six attackers. The Vipers, however, scored on an empty net at the 19:15 mark to make the final score 5-2.

The Vipers dominated the third, outshooting the Maroons 23-8.

The Maroons failed to capitalize on five power play opportunities, while LaSalle went 0-3.

The two Teams are back at it Thursday night with the Maroons hosting Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.

Game 3 will also be played at Memorial Arena on Sunday, March 5.

Game time both nights is 7 p.m. with the box office opening at 6 p.m.

Thursday night the Maroons are asking their fans to “SHOW US YOUR SIGN.” Show your Maroons pride and support the boys by bringing your homemade signs of encouragement to cheer them on.

All of the signs will be judged during the first intermission with a chance to win prizes from one of the event’s sponsors, including CKSN.