Rockets split pair of weekend games

STRATHROY –

With two games and 4 big points on the line, the Rockets could only manage a weekend split against St. Thomas and Sarnia.

Friday night, Strathroy made the trip to St. Thomas for their 4th meeting of the season against the Stars. It was Brandon Balazs getting us on the board early, 9:39 into the first, his 14th of the season. St. Thomas would score just over 2 minutes later on the Power Play, bringing us quickly back to a tie game. The Stars would add two more in the 2nd, and two more in the 3rd, in what would end up being a 5-2 final score. Matthew Brazeau made 40 saves on 45 shots for the Rockets.

Looking to bounce back just 24 hours later, it would be the Sarnia Legionnaires in town Saturday to challenge the Rockets. Sarnia trailed Strathroy by just 4 points for the 8th and final playoff spot coming into the game. Much like Friday, Brandon Balazs got the scoring started at the 11:05 mark of the first, firing a wrist shot passed goaltender Ethan Everaert. Just over 5 minutes later, Balazs would assist on Michael Ellistons first goal as a Rocket this season. Sarnia would tie the game at 2 midway through the second period, before Noah Nelson and Michael Elliston again would score putting the home team up by 2 heading to the third.

Strathroy would hold the Legionnaires to a single goal in the 3rd, and Nelson would add an empty net goal to secure the 5-3 win! Chazz Nixon made 37 saves in the win.

Strathroy has the week off before returning to action Saturday at home against Lasalle.