Welcome back GOJHL fans!  I hope everyone has had a good week.

Let’s recap what happened this past week.

The week started with Chatham making some roster changes with forward Josh Maine going to the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners of the NOJHL, and picking up Tyler Beneteau from Sarnia.  On Wednesday night, the Maroons visited LaSalle.  The Vipers picked up a 4-1 win with goals from Tyler Russell, Aidan Ryan, Eric Kirby and Manny Silverio.  Chatham’s only goal was from Noah Bushnell.

Also on Wednesday was London hosting St. Marys.  The Nats entered the week on an 8 game winning streak and it continued with an 8-2 win over the Lincolns to extend their streak to 9 games.  In the game, 16 year old rookie and Kingston Frontenac draft pick Luke Drewitt scored 4 goals.  Other goals were scored by Josh Coyle, Max Vinogradov, Jordan Di Cicco and James Turner.  St. Marys goals were by Matt Zilke and Dan Cloutier.

Thursday night, Leamington hosted Strathroy.  I couldn’t make this game, but it looks like it was a good one.  Leamington was up 3-1 midway through the third period when Strathroy made it 3-2, but the comeback for the Rockets fell short as the Flyers won 3-2.  Strathroy’s goals were both from Spencer Allen, while the Flyers goals came from Cody Schneider, Maddux Rychel and Griffin Robinson.  

Also on Thursday, Sarnia hosted LaSalle in what must have been a great battle that I wish I had been there to see.  The Legionnaires and Vipers skated through 41 minutes of scoreless hockey until 17 year old 2nd year forward Jake Vince scored for Sarnia.  It would stand as the winner, 1-0 over the Vipers.

On Friday, Sarnia was in St. Thomas for a battle with the Stars.  St. Thomas took a 5-1 win with Thomas McLatchie scoring 2 goals and 1 assist.  St. Thomas also had goals from Peter Fleming, Lucas Mastroianni, and Kevin Hu.  Goalie Anthony Hurtubise made 30 of 31 saves on the night.  Sarnia’s lone goal was from AP Joseph Ferrera.

Saturday night featured Komoka hosting London.  The Nats entered the Komoka Wellness Centre on a 9 game winning streak.  It looked to stay intact with London holding a 2-1 lead over the Kings after the first period.  Komoka’s Joel Mazzilli would tie the game late in the second period and would go on to score the winner in double over-time.  This saw London’s undefeated streak come to an end, but they continue a streak of gaining points in their last 10 games.  Komoka’s first goal came from Captain Andrew Kim, while London’s goals were scored by Jack Webb and Josh Coyle.

The other game on Saturday was Strathroy hosting Chatham.  The Maroons took a 4-0 lead, goals by Grant Spence, Dane Johnstone, Steven Fowler and Bryce Yetman, before Strathroy got on the board.  Rockets Captain Greg Marks finally got them on the board.  They would mount a brief comeback with a second goal from Marks and one from Adrian Franklin, just 18 seconds apart, but it wouldn’t be enough.  Yetman would score his second of the game, empty net, for a 5-3 Chatham win.

On Sunday, Leamington hosted a late matinee game against Sarnia.  The Flyers skated to a 5-2 win over the Legionnaires.  Scoring for Leamington was Cody Schneider, Maddux Rychel with 2, Griffin Robinson and Josh Pope-Ferguson.  Sarnia’s goals were from Matt Stoia and Brock Perry.

The week ended with the back end of a home-and-home between LaSalle and Chatham.  This time the Vipers entered Chatham Memorial.  Just like Wednesday, the score was 4-1, but this time in favour of the Maroons.  LaSalle’s lone goal was from Manny Silverio.  Chatham’s goals were by Steven Fowler (2), Dane Johnstone and Grant Spence.

Scoring Leaders

I’ve decided to feature the top players of the week, not just the overall leaders.  

Points – 6, Dane Johnstone (Chatham)
Goals – 4, Luke Drewitt (London)
Assists – 4, Dane Johnstone (Chatham)
GAA – 1.00, Anthony Hurtubise (St. Thomas)
Save % – 0.968, Anthony Hurtubise (St. Thomas)

Special Events

A GoFundMe page has been created for Shawn Florence, brother of Leamington Flyers Alumni Scott Florence.  Shawn was in a skiing accident in Michigan in late November which has left him paralyzed from the waist down.  Shawn’s girlfriend Tiffany has created a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Shawn’s medical bills, rehab and recovery.  If you’re able to donate, please do.  https://www.gofundme.com/gofundshawn

Strathroy’s Teddy Bear Toss is this Saturday, December 16 against St. Thomas.  On Sunday, they are holding a Skate with the Rockets from 5-7pm.

Well that’s it for this week.  I’ll be back again next Tuesday, but if you have any comments, or wish to see anything specific, you know how to contact me.  See you at the arena!

Stacy
Twitter - @therocketgirl16

Photo Credit: Shawna Lavoie, Sarnia Legionnaires Facebook