The Chatham Maroons are celebrating a rare win at Vollmer Recreation Complex in LaSalle after beating the Vipers 7-3 in Game 3 of the GOJHL playoffs.
The Maroons dominated in the first period with four goals. AJ Ryan put Chatham on the board with the first one of the night, followed by two from Kyle Fisher and one from Dallas Maurovic.
The Maroons were able to maintain their lead throughout the second period, despite LaSalle getting a couple of shots in Chatham's net. Ryan got another goal for Chatham, followed by one from Zach Power.
Chatham went into the third period with a 6-2 lead against the Vipers.
Maurovic scored his second goal of the night in the third period followed by one from LaSalle. The Maroons skated off the ice with a 7-3 victory.
Chatham goalie Kevin Linker made 24 saves of the 27 shots taken.
Saturday night's win not only gives Chatham a 2-1 series lead but it also signifies a potential turn of events at the Vollmer Recreation Complex. The Maroons lost at that arena during the series opener and looking further back, the Maroons haven't won in LaSalle since Game 7 of the 2018 playoffs.
Chatham forward Aj Ryan was part of that Game 7 but played for LaSalle at the time. He said although he's grateful for time spent as a Viper, winning Game 3 this season as part of the Maroons feels good.
"To score here on an away game it's kind of funny, you just hear nothing -- just crickets in the stands and it's just a good time," he said. "When you get a win on the road it means everything."
Ryan said the team will celebrate Saturday's win but will have to focus for Sunday's game back at home.
"It's a different game," he said. "We just have to come ready to play and we'll see what the outcome is."
The Maroons will have home-ice advantage for Game 4 as the series heads back to Memorial Arena in Chatham. Puck drop for Sunday night’s game is set for 7 p.m.
You can hear all of the Maroons’ playoff games broadcast live on-air on Country 92.9FM / 630 AM CFCO or online by clicking here.