Rocks start 2024 with win in OT to end losing streak
DUNNVILLE – The Elora Rocks put an end to their four-game losing streak by edging the Dunnville Aeros 3-2 in overtime in their first Western Ontario Super Hockey League outing of 2024 at the Dunnville Memorial Arena Saturday night.
Charlie Stephens connected for the winning goal for the Rocks on an unassisted effort at 1:28 of overtime.
Alex Utley scored the other two goals for Elora, 27 seconds apart early in the second period. Spencer MacCormack, Stephens and Shaun Pickering each had an assist.
Connor Schmalz scored both goals for Dunnville, one in the first period and the other midway through the second period that tied the score at 2-2. Tom Langmaid assisted on both goals while single assists went to Landon Minor and Braden Curry.
The Aeros outshot the Rocks 54-47 and each team scored a power-play goal in a penalty-filled contest that included an abuse-of-official unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty for each team 35 seconds into the game. In all, the Rocks were assessed 21 minutes in penalties while the Aeros were given 23 plus a 10-minute misconduct. Dunnville went 1-for-5 on its power play while Elora went 1-for-7.
Colin Dunne had 52 saves for the Rocks while Jesse Schoeman had 44 for Dunnville.
The result leaves the Rocks tied for seventh at 8-7-0-2 and Dunnville ninth at 6-10-0-3.
The Rocks are to play a pair of games with the second-place Tillsonburg Thunder (12-2-0-1) next weekend as they’re to meet Friday at 8:30 p.m. at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Tillsonburg Community Centre.
- Guelph Sports Journal