By Rob Benneian – There will be a distinct LaSalle Vipers flavor to Thursday night’s game between the Windsor Spitfires and Saginaw Spirit (7:05 at the WFCU Centre).

There are three former members of the LaSalle Vipers – forwards Aaron Luchuk and Daniel Beaudoin, and defenceman Andrew Burns – who regularly suit up for the Spits.

They will likely be joined by Lasalle Vipers defenceman Kyle Auger, who was recalled by the Spitfires last week.

They’ll be facing off against a pair of former Vipers in Spirit forward Devon Paliani and goaltender Cameron Zanussi, who was recently acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads.

The game will feature family-friendly, holiday-themed entertainment throughout the night, including a performance by local star Crystal Gage, as well as other up-and-coming singers.

Fans are encouraged to wear green, red or an ugly Christmas sweater and have their photo taken with one of Santa’s elves, visiting from the North Pole.