The Chatham Maroons beat the Strathroy Rockets, 3-1, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

Austin Thompson provided Chatham with the game-winning tally when he scored 7:31 into the first period. The Maroons had gotten the advantage when Strathroy's Lucas Latina was sent off for high sticking. Dede Cato assisted on the tally.

The Rockets were stymied by Chatham's netminder Parker Butler, who stopped 40 shots during the victory. Butler certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 3.28 entering the contest.

Strathroy's power play was ineffective against the Maroons' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 14:57 into the third period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with three game misconducts.

Chatham was often in penalty trouble, totaling 12 minors and one major for 39 minutes in penalty time. The Maroons surpassed its season average of 27.0 penalty minutes per game. Chatham excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in seven chances. The Maroons kept the Rockets' goalie busy throughout the game, and Mat Ouellet made 38 saves on 41 shots.

Chatham was helped by Connor Koviak, who registered one goal. Koviak scored short handed 13:38 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Chatham. A tripping call on Michael Levesque put the Maroons on the penalty kill. Connor McKinnon picked up the assist. Mark Fratarcangelli also scored for Chatham. In addition, Chatham received assists from Aaron Jacobs and Ross Krieger, who contributed one each.

Strathroy racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 11 minors and one major for 57 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 23.0 minutes per game the Rockets had been spending in the box. Strathroy's offense rang up 41 shots on Chatham's net.

The Rockets were led by Shane Bulitka, who scored the team's only goal. Bulitka scored 2:19 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Chatham. Max Ewart assisted on the tally.

The Maroons registered one goal on six power play opportunities. Chatham ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Cato was ejected from the game. For Strathroy, Matthew Stevens was ejected from the game.