May 31st, 2016

OAKVILLE, ON - The Oakville Rock were able to get in the win column early this season. After it took them seven games last season, the Rock won their season opener in Cobourg Sunday, beating the recently relocated Kodiaks 10-5 at the Cobourg Community Centre in front of roughly 1200 fans.

After heading into the first intermission down 2-1, second year forward Wes Berg fired two goals past Kodiaks goalie Rance Vingeaux. That seemed to be the spark the Rock would need as they would add two more before the end of the 2nd, Berg completing the second period hat trick.

Goalie Nick Rose continued to shine in the final frame and the Rock would add 3 more insurance markers to take the game 10-5.

"I thought after the first period we really started to calm things down and control the play," said Rock Head Coach Matt Sawyer, adding "we were gripping the sticks a little too tight in the first and making pases too quickly."

Berg led the way offensively with 4 goals and 2 helpers. Although they didn't score, Stephan Leblanc and Rob Hellyer had 4 and 3 assists respectively.

The Rock then turned their attention to Monday night's home opener against the Peterborough Lakers. The same Lakers team had eliminated the Rock from the playoffs last August.

Right from the get go the Rock seemed to be out matched. The Lakers scored off of the opening faceoff as Jake Withers scooped up a loose ball and burned by the Rock defenders beating goalie Nick Rose. Josh Currier scored less than a minute later and the Rock would trail Peterborough 5-1 after one.

The onslaught would continue for the Lakers, Steve Fryer came in to relieve Nick Rose after Holden Cattoni made it 7-2. Shawn Evans had a goal and 3 assists in the third and the Lakers beat the Rock 11-4. Captain Stephan Leblanc had 2 goals, while Wes Berg chipped in with a goal and an assist in a losing effort.

The Rock are home next Monday night, June 6th against Six Nations. It's the first of a back-to-back home and home with the Chiefs. The Oakville Rock play their home games Monday nights at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre located in Oakville at 1132 Invicta Dr. All games are at 8 PM and tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors. Kids under 12 are free.