A stellar performance between the pipes by Darien Ekblad helped the Chatham Maroons defeat the Strathroy Rockets, 2-1.

The win by Chatham broke a deadlock and gave the Maroons a 2-1 advantage in the best of seven series.

Chatham was paced by Eric Palazzolo, who had one goal. Palazzolo scored 15:46 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Chatham. Blake Blondeel assisted on the tally.

The Maroons forced Strathroy goalie Dalen Kuchmey to work between the pipes, taking 53 shots.

Chatham also got a goal from Steven Szekesy as well. In addition, Chatham received assists from Thomas Eady, who had one.

The Rockets' offense rang up 32 shots on Chatham's net.

Strathroy was led by Brett Dalton, who scored the team's only goal. Dalton scored on the power play 11:51 into the second period to make the score 1-1. The Rockets had taken the advantage when the Maroons' Jake Flegel got sent off for tripping. Wes Baker provided the assist.

Ekblad rejected 31 shots on goal for Chatham. The Maroons incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Kuchmey recorded 51 saves for Strathroy. The Rockets incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Strathroy ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Adam Vandersluis was ejected from the game.