Peckham gets hat trick in debut with Elora Rocks

ORANGEVILLE – Former NHLer Theo Peckham struck for a hat trick in his first game with the Elora Rocks as the Rocks defeated the Orangeville Blitz 5-2 in WOSHL play Saturday night at the Alder Arena.

Peckham played 160 games spread over six seasons (2007-08 to 2012-13) for the Edmonton Oilers and scored four goals and 13 assists. He also had 388 minutes in penalties.

Peckham, who was signed by the Rocks last week, scored once in each period in the win over the Blitz. Elora led 2-1 at the end of the first period and 3-1 after the second.

Zack Cameron and Luke Hoelscher added a goal apiece for the Rocks while Clayton Peterek, Anthony Filoso, Spencer MacCormack, Chad Herron and Jeff White each had an assist.

Dan Calitri scored both goals for the Blitz. Jesse Chidwick assisted on both goals while Andrew Taylor and Noah Sigal each had one assist.

The Rocks outshot the Blitz 47-25 and went 2-for-6 on their power play while Orangeville was scoreless on two power plays.

Colin Dunne had 23 saves for Elora while Ryan Mantle had 42 for Orangeville.

The Petrolia Squires lead the league at 6-1-0-0 and are followed by the Strathroy Jets at 5-3-0-0, the Rocks at 4-2-0-0, Tilbury Bluebirds at 3-1-0-0, Tillsonburg Thunder at 3-1-0-0, Alvinston Killer Bees at 3-2-0-0, Stratford Fighting Irish at 2-1-0-0, Delhi Flames at 2-3-0-0, Dunnville Aeros at 1-3-0-1, Woodstock Lakers at 1-5-0-0 and Orangeville at 0-7-0-0.

The Rocks have a bit of a wait until their next game as they’re scheduled to host Dunnville Nov. 10 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex at 8:30 p.m.

• Guelph Sports Journal