The Strathroy Rockets celebrated a fantastic weekend, securing back-to-back shutouts against the Stratford Warriors and Komoka Kings. Before Saturday’s home game, the team joined the community at Strathroy’s Spooktober Fest, where players handed out candy and children’s game tickets, building excitement for the night’s matchup.
Friday’s away game in Stratford saw Hayden Duncan expertly defend the net, while Brendan Gerber contributed a game-winning goal and assist. Back home on Saturday, Karsen Chartier held Komoka scoreless, and the team’s disciplined structure shone, with Chase Gaughan recording his first GOJHL goal and the crowd roaring in support. The young Rockets are building chemistry, and fans and coaches alike are noticing this growth, particularly from rising stars like Gaughan, a third-round OHL pick whose development is seen as crucial to the Rockets’ future success.
Their recent success is all the more remarkable given the absence of key players. Captain Damian Pancino and Zach Vanderwal are expected to return in November, while Nick Savoie, freshly committed to the NCAA, will rejoin the lineup this week, further strengthening the defense.
The fan atmosphere has been electric, with over 890 fans attending Friday’s game in Stratford and more than 500 packing the stands in Strathroy. The Rockets aim to continue growing this support through community involvement and exciting gameplay, especially as they look forward to two cross-conference games, including a matchup in St. Catharines where Savoie will play against his hometown team. The Rockets are primed to keep their momentum going with a passionate fanbase and promising team dynamic driving them forward.
