Ice Hockey: Captain puts the curse on Devils

Nov 22 2009 Sunday Sun

Rooneem’s former Mississippi Sea Wolves team mate from last season Jason Tejchma created the Vipers’ first scoring chance when he stole the puck in centre ice and, after manoeuvring himself into the Devils zone, released a shot which just bypassed Stevie Lyle’s left post.

On the turn, Rooneem shot just wide of the same post and, as the Vipers continued to press, a Ben Campbell shot struck Lyle in the middle of his chest.

After a scoreless first period during which the Vipers had squandered two powerplay opportunities, they then wasted a second pair of man advantages in the opening six minutes of the middle period.

The Vipers’ penalty killing unit then carried out their work effectively as the team, with Rooneem prominent, began to build up another head of steam.

Rooneem’s pass almost put Tejchma through and then his drive to the net came close to succeeding when Longstaff banged the puck into the paint.

Rooneem then created a chance for Longstaff and it was no surprise, with the Devils defence buckling, that the the Vipers went ahead on 31 minutes.

Lyle saved Matic Kralj’s shot, but could not control the rebound which was returned with interest by the predatory Matus Petricko for his 10th goal of the season.

In the sixth minute of the final period, Longstaff’s attempt to re-direct a Rooneem low shot almost gave the Vipers a powerplay second.

Just as the man advantage finished, Kralj also went close to doubling the lead, but the Vipers held out despite late Devils pressure.

Vipers: Longstaff and Petricko 1+0, Kralj 2+0, Berry and Mahrle 0+1,

Devils: Michel 1+0, Latulippe and Miller 0+1.