by Murray Link
The North Dundas Senior Rockets won 3 games in a row over the past two weekends to advance to the 2nd round of the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League playoffs. The Rockets played the Paugan Falls Rapids in a series that saw two games at home and one away in Low Quebec. The Rapids completed their inaugural season in the league with a resounding success and were noted with having the largest crowds during the 20 game season with a record 648 fans at their Feb 10 game.
Game 1 of the series took place on Feb 24 in front of a large crowd in Chesterville. The popularity of the Rapids team – which plays out of Low Quebec – was apparent as there were roughly 150 people in attendance cheering for the visiting team. The home team dominated play, outshooting their opponents 91-36. Coach Leonard Mclean noted that the shot total for the Rockets of 91 was a record, and that Pauagan Falls goaltender Aidan Foley “played one heck of a game”. Foley, who stopped 83 shots, was named second star of the game. #93 Ryan Lough of the Rockets took home first star of the game generating 4pt (1G, 3A).
Game 2 of the best of five series saw the Senior Rockets on the Road travelling to Low Quebec and playing in front of a large crowd which numbered over 650 people. The Rockets were quick out the gate scoring 4 times in the first 12 minutes of the game. Going into the third period, the Rapids had closed the gap and made the score 5-3 but were not able to put any more past goaltender #25 Matt Jenkins and the visiting team went on to win with a final score of 7-3. On a less positive note, forward #14 Deric Boudreau fell awkwardly late in the second period and broke his leg in 3 spots. Boudreau, one of the Rockets top scoring forwards underwent surgery Feb 27 and will be missed the remainder of the playoffs.
Game 3 of the series took place back in Chesterville on March 2 and the score sheet was almost a carbon copy of Game 1. The Rockets blasted 88 shots at Rapids goaltender Aiden Foley, only to put 7 shots in the net with a final score of 7-2 for the Rockets. With the win, North Dundas won the best of 5 series 3-0 and advanced to round 2 of the eastern division playoffs. Forward #17 Jack Nevins led the home team with 3pts (1G, 2A).
On a positive note regarding #14 Deric Boudreau… the Rockets sold over 110 rally towels to help support Boudreau’s recovery fund after breaking his leg in game #2. Rally towels will be available throughout the playoffs for $10.00, with all funds going directly to Deric. A donation “boot” was also passed through the crowd during the game and Rockets fans were able to help their “hardest working Rocket”.
The next round will be against the Rockets’ biggest rival, the South Stormont Mustangs on Saturday March 9, puck drop at 2:15 in Chesterville. The Rockets only suffered one loss during the regular season, and it was to the Mustangs… you won’t want to miss it. The question is residents of North Dundas: ARE YOU GOING TO THE GAME?
