Ben Schoch scored in overtime to lift the Sarnia Legionnaires (4-5-1-1) to a 4-3 comeback victory against the visiting Strathroy Rockets (4-5-0-1) in GOJHL hockey action Thursday.
Brock Perry scored twice and added an assist for Sarnia, while Greg Hay notched a goal and two helpers. Perry opened the scoring just 53 seconds into the opening period. Strathroy rookie Emmet Pierce scored his first GOJHL goal to tie the contest, tipping home a powerplay marker.
The Rockets scored a pair of goals midway through the second period to take a 3-1 lead.
Legionnaires goalie Blair Coffin was pulled after Strathroy's third goal and 11th shot of the contest. Will Barber went on to stop all seven shots he faced. Rockets goalie Zack Weir stopped 35 of Sarnia's 39 shots.
With 12 seconds remaining in the period, Hay moved the Legionnaires back to within one with a powerplay goal of his own.
Hay appeared to tie the game in the third but had his goal called back due to a high stick. Perry tied the contest on the powerplay with just under five minutes remaining in regulation, leading to Ben Schoch's OT winner.
Schoch says it felt great to get the win. "It was huge," says Schoch. "We didn't have the second period that we wanted but the standings will tell you that every point matters. It's definitely nice to come back and get that one, the boys battled hard."
Legionnaires forward Joel Pavey was forced to leave the game with a hand injury in the third period after being hit from behind into the boards. Strathroy's Tristan Sedlak was handed a game misconduct on the play.
Sarnia's win was their second against the Rockets in as many weeks, after beating them 5-1 on home ice last Thursday night.
The Legionnaires return to action Thursday, October 12 at home to the Chatham Maroons at Sarnia Arena. You can hear all of the action live on 103.9FM and 1070AM CHOK.