In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Strathroy Rockets escaped with a 4-2 victory over the LaSalle Vipers.

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

The win by the Rockets clinched the best of seven series at 4-2.

Strathroy was sparked by Mandarelli, who had one goal and one assist. Mandarelli scored 3:37 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Strathroy. Adam Vandersluis assisted on the tally.

The Rockets kept LaSalle's goalie busy throughout the game, and Taylor Speed made 38 saves on 42 shots.

Strathroy also got points from Wes Baker, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Matthew Watson also scored for Strathroy. In addition, Strathroy received assists from Tyler Duarte and Kurtis Sander, who each chipped in one.

The Vipers forced Strathroy goalie Dalen Kuchmey to work between the pipes, taking 42 shots.

LaSalle was helped by Patrick Murphy, who registered one goal. Murphy scored on the power play 3:24 into the third period to make the score 2-2. The Vipers earned a power play opportunity when Nick Boyer was put in the box for slashing. LaSalle also got a goal from Eric Noel as well. Other players who recorded assists for LaSalle were Chad Shepley and Brendan McCann, who contributed one a piece.

The Rockets' Kuchmey stopped 40 shots out of the 42 that he faced. Strathroy incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors. LaSalle incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.