The Strathroy Rockets gutted out a close 4-3 win against the LaSalle Vipers.

Strathroy gained the winning advantage on a goal by Max Ewart 10:57 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Ewart had two goals to lead the Rockets to victory.

Strathroy pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 54 penalty minutes.

Strathroy also had goals scored by Wesley Kelly and Noah Tooke, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Strathroy were Matt Laberge, who had two and Dante Copps, Shane Bulitka, Dylan Newman, and Matthew Stevens, who each chipped in one.

LaSalle excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The Vipers forced the Rockets goalie Dane Gubbels to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots.

LaSalle was led by Liam McDougall, who tallied three goals. In addition, LaSalle received assists from Zack Hoffman, Eric Kirby, Brett Banwell, Connor Rosaasen, and Dalton Langlois, who contributed one each.

Dane Gubbels made 37 saves for Strathroy on 40 shots. Paolo Battisti rejected 20 shots on goal for the Vipers. LaSalle incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.