The Strathroy Rockets gutted out a close 5-3 win against the St. Thomas Stars.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Steve Griggs at 18:33 of the third period.

Strathroy was led by Griggs, who finished with one goal.

In a losing effort, St. Thomas was paced by Carson Brookshaw, who racked up two goals. Brookshaw scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 7:14 into the second period to make the score 2-1 St. Thomas. The Stars earned a power play opportunity when Shane Bulitka was put in the box for hooking. Matt McJannet picked up the assist. Brookshaw's next tally on the power play made the score 3-1 St. Thomas with 2:58 left in the second period. St. Thomas found itself down a man on Cal Horvat's slashing. Spencer Hutchinson assisted on the tally.

The Rockets kept the Stars' goalie busy throughout the game, and Nikolas Dampier made 39 saves on 44 shots. Strathroy bested its season scoring average. The Rockets average 2.6 goals per game.

Strathroy also got points from Lucas Latina, who also had one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Strathroy included Nick Griffin and Max Ewart, who each put in one. In addition, Strathroy received assists from Matt Laberge, Jeff Williams, and Noah Tooke, who each chipped in one and Wesley Kelly and Kieran Milne, who contributed two each.

Isaac McLean also scored for St. Thomas. More assists for St. Thomas came via Kyle Dawson, who had one.

Dane Gubbels rejected 26 shots on goal for Strathroy. The Rockets incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. St. Thomas incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.