by Murray Link
The Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League has been in full swing since mid September and the North Dundas Rockets are in first place in the Eastern division with 14 points……with a perfect 7-0 record. The Bytown Royals also have 14 points with a 7-1 record, their only loss coming at the hands of the Rockets on October 28th. When asked how his team has played so far this season, head coach Rob Sadler replied “7-0 is a great way to start but it’s not so much how our team has played, but how the rest of the league has played. Games are faster this year and our 7-0 record could just as easily be 5-2 or 4-3. We’ve been on the right side of some great hockey games. The league is growing and has taken another step forward this year in terms of competition”. While there are still 13 games remaining in their 20 game regular season, the Rockets have already created a buzz in the community. Residents of North Dundas now know that the Chesterville Rink is the place to be to watch fast paced, hard hitting competitive men’s hockey.
LEAGUE LEADERS: The EOSHL is a very competitive league made up of 15 teams from as far west as Deseronto (Deseronto Bulldogs) to as far east as Alexandria (Glengarry Pipers). With a record of 7-0, the North Dundas Rockets are the only unbeaten team in the league. The Rockets also have a few individuals who are tops in the league in the stats column. Leading the way is #66 forward Brett Gustavsen. “Gus” as he is commonly referred to, is leading the league in both points (23 points in 6 games) and assists (15 assists in 6 games). When asked how the season was going so far, Gustavsen replied “We are having fun and playing the right way. Goaltending and our back end have been our strong point, and from an offensive perspective, we’re getting scoring from all 4 lines. The commitment from the community has also been amazing and has certainly added a little pep in everyone’s step come game time. Just so that you know in the community, we always have and will value your support at games, you are the fuel that keeps us trucking”
Also leading the way is goaltender Matt Jenkins. Jenkins leads all goaltenders in the league in wins with 6 and also recorded his first ever shutout on November 4th versus the Cornwall Prowlers. When asked about his goaltender, head coach Rob Sadler stated that “Jenkins has been a stand out this season so far. He’s been exceptional in net back stopping our record right now.”
EXCITING HOME GAMES: Amazing hockey is once again the major draw for the Senior Rockets but this year, fans have seen some additions to home games which adds more bang for your buck. The $25,000 shootout has been a great success. Fans buy tickets for a chance to shoot in the second intermission for a big cash prize. Murray Link (Rockets VP of media relations) stated that “Our last shooter just missed by inches and the crowd went wild”. Link also noted that “we wanted Rockets games to be not just about hockey but a whole entertainment experience and so far the crowds have been fantastic”. Another great addition to home games has been radio and TV personality Tom Shock. Shock can be seen around the rink with his cordless microphone interviewing players during warm up, accompanying the $25,000 shooter on the ice and asking what they would do if they won the cash prize.
Don’t miss the next home game in Chesterville on November 18th as the Rockets take on the South Grenville Rangers….puck drop at 3:30. Also, keep up and follow the Rockets Facebook page. To follow standings, scores and league leaders go to eoshl.hockeyshift.com for a very user friendly website.
