Jokers Back On W Train – Shutout Vipers 7-0

The Jokers of Doom came into Wednesday night’s tilt with the Vipers coming off of a bitter 2-1 loss to the Tomahawks which snapping a 3 game win streak. This game saw the return of the father/son Salkins duo and the impact was high. Richie Orsini started the festivities with his first goal of the season with a quick wrist shot that found pay dirt stick side low on ex-Joker goalie Fernando Gomez assisted by Garrett Salkins and Kevin LaPrade. Orsin’s goal would end up being the game-winner as Andy Pettola bounced back with a stellar 28-save shutout. The first period would also feature a G. Salkins goal after a Viper turnover and a couple of shifty moves in front of the net. Josh Berrelli  would add a score later in the period assisted by Ken Herren and Jim Brunetti. The second period featured only one goal, a backhanded flip in on a 2-1 breakout by Herren on a sweet feed from Berrelli past the lone defenseman. In the third period the Jokers would tack on three more goals from Brunetti, as well as Berrelli, and G. Salkins with their second each of the game.

Throughout the game, both teams questioned the officials’ judgement on penalties, icings, and face off locations.

Notes: Berrelli made his rare presence felt with two goals and two assists… Pettola is now 3-1 and leads the division with 1.75 GAA and 93.5% save percentage… Frank Mellilo and John Condit missed the game for undisclosed reasons… Herren (1g,1a) now tied for league lead in goals (5) and points (8)… Jokers tripled their season PIM with three penalties in the game… next contest: Saturday January 20 vs Springfield Chiefs.