The Strathroy Rockets gutted out a close 5-4 win against the St. Thomas Stars.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Adam Vandersluis secured the win for Strathroy with a goal in the third period.

The Rockets was paced on offense by Chase Thornton and Vandersluis, who combined for four points. Thornton grabbed two goals and one assist and Vandersluis also added one goal.

Strathroy put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow St. Thomas to score on any of its three power plays. The Rockets kept the Stars' goalie busy throughout the game, and Donald Edwards made 35 saves on 40 shots.

Strathroy additionally got points from Nick Boyer, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Strathroy also got a goal from Wes Baker as well. In addition, Strathroy received assists from Tyler Duarte, who had three and Micheal Woolley, Shawn Grogan, Trevor Dulong, Blake O`Neill, and Kurtis Sander, who each chipped in one.

Strathroy was unable to stop St. Thomas from sending pucks towards the net, and the Stars eventually piled up 39 shots on goal. St. Thomas' penalty kill was ineffective, and let in three goals to the Rockets' power play unit.

The Stars were helped by Scott Mitchell, who finished with two goals. Mitchell scored the first of his two goals at 5:49 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Strathroy. Matt Simsons provided the assist. Mitchell's next tally made the score 3-3 with 8:38 left in the second period. Reid Oliver picked up the assist. Mike Iacocca also scored for St. Thomas. Other players who recorded assists for St. Thomas were Martin Kudla, who had one.

Dalen Kuchmey made 35 saves for Strathroy on 39 shots. The Rockets incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors. Strathroy ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Brett Dalton was ejected from the game. St. Thomas incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. For the Stars, Ryan Hamelin was ejected from the game.