Stratford scores four in a row to edge Elora Rocks

FERGUS – The Elora Rocks surrendered four consecutive goals to the defending champion Stratford Fighting Irish in a 5-4 loss in Western Ontario Super Hockey League play Friday night at the Centre Wellington Community Centre.

Penalties proved costly to the Rocks as three of Stratford’s four consecutive goals were power-play markers.

Elora scored the first two goals of the game and led 2-1 at the end of the first period, but trailed 4-3 at the end of the second.

Nicholas Boehmer, Nick Tetley, Blaize Bridges and Steven Dol had a goal apiece for the Rocks while single assists went to Luke Hoelscher, Spencer Gourlay, Jeff White, Andrew Brubacher, Tetley, Phil Teri and Chad Herron.

Former Guelph Gryphon Ryan O’Bonsawin had a natural hat trick, three consecutive goals, for Stratford while Colin Martin and Matt Fuller had single goals. Fuller had two assists while Dylan Buckholz, Matt Henderson, Justin Murray, Riley Coome and Brody Smith each had one assist.

The Fighting Irish outshot the Rocks 61-48 and went 3-for-10 on their power play while Elora went 1-for-4. The Rocks had a shorthanded goal.

Darren Smith had 44 saves for Stratford while Colin Dunne had 56 for Fergus.

The result leaves the Rocks fourth at 5-3-0-0 and Stratford tied for fifth at 4-3-0-0.

The Rocks are to host the Tilbury Bluebirds (4-3-0-0) next Friday at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex. Game time is 8:30 p.m.

• Guelph Sports Journal