Brett Primeau netted a hat trick to lead the LaSalle Vipers over the Strathroy Rockets, 3-2.

Primeau's first goal came 18:21 into the first period. He then added goals at 9:26 into the third and at 18:54 into the third.

LaSalle excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The Vipers' offense rang up 49 shots on Strathroy's net.

In addition, LaSalle received assists from Korey Morgan and Chris Pignanelli, who contributed one each and Brendan McGhee and Graham Pickard, who each chipped in two.

The Rockets' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled six minors and one major for 37 minutes in penalty time. Strathroy surpassed its season average of 19.0 penalty minutes per game. The Rockets put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow LaSalle to score on any of its seven power plays.

Strathroy was helped by Nick Griffin, who had one goal. Griffin scored 7:34 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Strathroy. Matt Laberge picked up the assist. Jack Kilgour also scored for Strathroy. More assists for Strathroy came via Dan Chapman and Mark MacAulay, who contributed one each.

Paolo Battisti made 27 saves for the Vipers on 29 shots. LaSalle incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Rockets' Dane Gubbels stopped 46 shots out of the 49 that he faced. For Strathroy, MacAulay was ejected from the game.