Flyers top Rockets twice

By C. Scott Holland

LEAMINGTON — It was a closer game than what might have been expected, especially during the first half, but once the Leamington Flyers got rolling last Thursday, Oct. 28, the Strathroy Rockets were swept aside 5-1 in the first of a home-and-home series between the two clubs.

The Flyers then rallied to take the Rockets 5-3 on Saturday night at Strathroy.

About 240 fans watched as the Flyers built an early 2-0 lead Thursday and clung to a precious 3-1 edge heading into the third before they potted two powerplay tallies for extra insurance.

Head coach Dale Mitchell said, afterwards, “I thought we played 40 minutes of good hockey. We came out strong, which was what we wanted prior to the game. We did have that good start but in the second, we fell off. We gave them too many odd man rushes and left Polidori out to dry on a couple plays.”

Thursday night’s scoring was kicked off by Anthony Ciaramitaro and Gavin Grundner, who clicked passes with Wyatt O’Neil for a close-up shot that beat Strathroy starter Gordie O’Dwyer. A few minutes later, Connor MacPherson flicked the puck high into the Rockets’ net while falling as he drove to the net area.

Play was hot and heavy around the Flyers’ net.

SUN photo

The second frame was back-and forthwith each team plunking a dozen shots at the other. Near the midway point, the Rockets’ Brandon Balasz unleashed a screen shot that eluded Flyers’ starter Ryan Polidori. That marker came not longer after the Rockets had a goal denied because the net was off its moorings.

The Flyers upped their lead about 30 seconds later, with Darby Lemieux cranking a left lane screamer that zipped past O’Dwyer.

The contest had been tame until the Rockets’ frustrations began to bubble after a second goal was disallowed 12 minutes into the third.

A powerplay given to the Flyers proved to be the backbreaker. Colton O’Brien’s screen shot goal upped the lead to 4-1 and Rockets’ player Ryan Marshall and O’Brien exchanged fisticuffs after O’Brien’s tally.

A checking-from-behind call on the Rockets allowed the Flyers’ Ryan Clark to notch his first Jr. B goal as Clark hammered a shot from the slot to make it a 5-1 game during the final minute.

On Saturday, Oct. 30 the Flyers pushed their league-leading record to 10-2 with a 5-3 win.

Flyers starter Boe Piroski played well after the opening frame and stopped 34 shots, while Strathroy’s Gordie O’Dwyer halted 33.

Down 2-0 after 20 minutes, the rally began with the marksmanship of Connor MacPherson, who tabbed a natural hattrick. His second-period goals came at 1:08, 13:17 and 18:44, with the last two on powerplays.

In the third, Blake McNally cashed in what proved to be the game-winner at 2:23 and at 10:48 Gavin Grundner added an insurance goal.

The Flyers’ latest addition is Jack Cotter (#18), who is an 18-year-old forward who played for Detroit Victory U18 AAA. Two APs made their Flyers’ debut as well, with defencemen Nathan Agostinis (#2) and Neil Garvey (#14) suiting up. The Flyers also recently traded goalie Chazz Nixon to Strathroy. He was not dressed for the contest versus the Flyers.

The Flyers play tonight (Wednesday) in London and face off against the Chatham Maroons at home on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7:10 p.m.