Elora Rocks outlasted by Petrolia Squires

PETROLIA – The Elora Rocks squandered a two-goal lead as they were outlasted 9-7 by the Petrolia Squires in Western Ontario Super Hockey League play Friday night at the Greenwood Recreation Centre.

The Rocks led 3-1 after six and a half minutes of play, but trailed 5-3 in the opening minute of the second.

Petrolia led 4-3 at the end of the first period and 6-5 after the second. The Rocks never got any closer in the third period as the teams traded goals throughout that period.

Both teams were short-staffed for the game, Elora dressing 16 players and Petrolia suiting up 17.

Spencer Gourlay had two goals and two assists for the Rocks while Shaun Pickering, Zack Cameron, Anthony Filoso, Clayton Peterek and Steven Dol netted single goals. Single assists went to Pickering, Blaize Bridges, Cameron, Jeff White and Dol.

Adam Arsenault had four goals for Petrolia while Brandon Biggers had a goal and five assists. Jesse Ferguson, Ryan Fraser, Zach Van Eyk and Kraig Wright struck for single goals while T.J. Harris had three assists and Ryan Trottier had two. Steve Farlow, Joey Ferrera, Van Eyk, Thomas Moxley, Jack Hackett and Sam McCormack each had an assist.

The Squires outshot the Rocks 47-33 thanks due to a 21-6 advantage in the first period. Petrolia went 3-for-4 on its power play while Elora was scoreless on three power plays.

Colin Dunne had 38 saves for the Rocks while Daniel Eichel had 26 for Petrolia.

Tillsonburg Thunder (9-2-0-0) and Petrolia (9-3-0-0) are tied for the lead in the 11-team league. The Rocks are fifth at 7-6-0-0.

The Rocks are to host the Dunnville Aeros (ninth at 3-7-0-2) ) Friday at 8:30 p.m. at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.

• Guelph Sports Journal