Saints Force Game Seven:

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Saints force game seven

by Don Klepp | Added 2011-04-23

A strong defensive effort by the Spruce Grove Saints gave them a 2-0 win at home against the Vipers on Saturday. In the process, the Saints evened the Doyle Cup series at 3-3.

Vincenzo Marozzi was the hero in the first period when the Vipers came close to taking the lead on two occasions. The 20-year-old netminder stoned Mike Zalewski who opted for a high shot on a breakaway. Marozzi then stopped Zalewski’s rebound attempt.

Later, Marozzi made a bad pass that was picked off by Trevor Fitzgerald. Then he desperately dived across to parry Fitzgerald’s shot with the paddle of his stick.

The Saints got the all-important first goal on the power play at 16:01. With Ryan Renz in the penalty box for a post-whistle cross check, Felix Poulin fired a point shot off the lively back boards and David Glen bundled it home.

Then, at 18:58, a mental lapse by a Viper defenceman gave Josh Koper and Scott Allen an odd-man rush. Koper fed Allen for a one-timer for Allen’s fifth goal of the Doyle Cup.

That goal was critical because it allowed the Saints to play the shutdown game that has been their hallmark this season. They allowed the |Vipers just two scoring chances in the second period, both on the power play.

The Vipers did manage five scoring chances in the third period, but Marozzi continued his stellar play. The Vipers were also strong defensively, as they held the Saints to two legitimate chances.

As part of their defensive strategy, the Saints keyed on Dylan Walchuk, roughing him up at every opportunity. They were able to continue this strategy because referees Lance McKinnon and Ryan Thompson declined to call elbowing and roughing penalties on the Saints.

Finally, with the game essentially decided late in the third period, Walchuk retaliated and was penalized for roughing when he responded to one of his tormentors, Josh Koper.

So, in a repeat of last year’s Doyle Cup, the Vipers and will go to a game seven that will decide who gets to participate in the Royal Bank Cup national championship that begins April 30 in Camrose, Alberta.

Game time is 6 pm Pacific time on Sunday.