Blair Coffin stopped all 35 shots he faced, as the Sarnia Legionnaires (16-9-1-2) shutout the visiting LaSalle Vipers (17-10-1-1) 1-0 in GOJHL action Thursday night.
It was a chippy, and heated contest with three fights and lots of pushing and shoving in between plays. Legionnaires forward Jon Sanderson dropped the gloves with Bradley Vincent after Vincent laid a big hit midway through the second period. Sarnia's Joey Zappa fought Vipers defenceman Hayden Johnston just a few minutes later.
Jake Vince scored the game's only goal 1:18 into the third period. Aaron Jamieson won the offensive zone faceoff, and Joel Pavey tipped the puck back to Vince for the one timer. At the 4:33 mark, LaSalle defenceman Stefan Dobrich hit Joel Pavey into the boards from behind. Vince fought Dobrich as a result, and was handed an extra two minute penalty for face-masking. Dobrich only received a fighting penalty, and wasn't called for the hit.
The Legionnaires went scoreless on three powerplay chances, and killed off six LaSalle man advantages, including a long five on three opportunity.
Vipers goalie James Walker played a solid game, stopping all but one of the Legionnaires' 28 shots.
Sarnia is now fifth place in the Western Conference with 35 points, one behind LaSalle and the St. Thomas Stars and eight back of the first place London Nationals.
The Legionnaires return to action on Friday night at 7:30pm in St. Thomas, and Sunday afternoon at 4pm in Leamington. The Nationals make a visit to the Brock St. Barn on Thursday, December 14. It's the Legionnaires annual Wooly Toss night. Fans are asked to bring a scarf, mittens, or hat to throw onto the ice for charity when Sarnia scores their first goal.
You can hear the game live on 103.9FM and 1070AM CHOK at 7pm.