The Strathroy Rockets beat the Sarnia Legionnaires, 3-1, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

Strathroy took over the lead for good with a goal by Tyler Duarte at 3:10 in the first period. The Rockets earned a power play opportunity when Steve Farlow was put in the box for roughing. Adam Vandersluis provided the assist.

Sarnia was stymied by Strathroy netminder Dalen Kuchmey, who stopped 35 shots during the victory. Kuchmey certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 1.85 entering the contest.

The Rockets were led by Nick Boyer, who tallied one goal. Boyer scored 18:57 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Strathroy. Tyler Coleman picked up the assist.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 2:51 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

Strathroy was often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and one major for 47 minutes in penalty time. The Rockets had been averaging 28.0 minutes in penalties per game.

Strathroy also got a goal from Blake O`Neill as well. Other players who recorded assists for Strathroy were Ryan Field and Stuart King, who each chipped in one.

The the Legionnaires penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and one major for 49 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 23.0 minutes per game Sarnia had been spending in the box. The Legionnaires could not produce up to they normal offensive output. Sarnia averages 3.5 goals per game. The Legionnaires' offense rang up 36 shots on Strathroy's net.

Sarnia was led by Jeff Bauer, who scored the team's only goal. Bauer scored on the power play 1:47 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Strathroy. The Legionnaires had taken the advantage when the Rockets' Boyer got sent off for tripping. Jason Teschke provided the assist.

Strathroy registered one goal on four power play opportunities. For the Rockets, Luke Jackson was ejected from the game. Sean Parker recorded 25 saves for Sarnia. The Legionnaires registered one goal on five power play opportunities. Sarnia ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Jeff Paulley was ejected from the game.