Ryan Vendramin had a hat trick and two assists as the home town Sarnia Legionnaires edged the Strathroy Rockets 8-7 in overtime in the first game back from the GOJHL holiday break Thursday night.
The Legionnaires jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Sarnia native Brock Perry notched a powerplay goal 6:53 into the frame, and Sting draft pick Jacob Stos scored his 4th of the year just under five minutes later.
Vendramin potted his 14th of the year to make it a 3-0 game early in the third period. The Rockets responded with three quick goals of their own within a three minute span to tie the game. Captain Hunter Tyczynski helped the Legionnaires regain the lead just six seconds later which spelled the end of the night for Strathroy goalie Dane Gubbels. Ryan Vendramin later picked up his second powerplay goal of the period to make it 5-3 after two.
Steve Griggs scored just 1:33 into the third period to pull Strathroy to within a goal. Brad Yowart and Ryan Vendramin then scored powerplay goals 1:21 apart to give Sarnia a 7-4 advantage.
The Legionnaires were unable to hold their second three goal lead of the game. TJ Harris and Shane Bulitka scored powerplay goals before Wesley Kelly sent the game to overtime with just 36 seconds remaining.
In the three on three extra frame, Ryan Trottier sealed the win for the Legionnaires on a two on one breakaway goal.
Jordan Fogarty dished out three helpers in the game while Brandon Layman had two assists.
Overall, the Legionnaires went an impressive 5/6 on the powerplay. Strathroy scored on three of six chances.
Aidan Hughes made 26 saves on 33 shots against in the Legionnaires crease.
The win moves Sarnia to 16-11-1-3 on the season, just two points back of the fifth place LaSalle Vipers in the Western Conference standings.
The Legionnaires' next game is Friday night in St. Thomas.