by Murray Link
The North Dundas Senior Rockets’ quest for a perfect season was in jeopardy this past weekend in Alexandria. For the second year in a row, the Glengarry Pipers took the 2-time EOSHL champs to overtime… putting the Rockets’ perfect 5-0 record on the line. In an ironic twist of fate, newly acquired #10 Connor McCarthy, who formerly played for the Pipers, slipped one into his former team’s net with just 47.2 seconds left in the overtime, keeping the Rockets perfect season intact at 6-0
The game, which was played at the Glengarry Sports palace in Alexandrea, was a back and forth affair with each team taking the lead at different stages. At no time was any team up by more than a goal. “It was kind of like a tennis match,” stated veteran defenceman #20 Mike Byrd. “Scoring was back and forth and nobody could take advantage of any opportunities”.
When asked about the win, Rockets head coach Robyn Sadler had no qualms about what factors made the difference. “Tonight, our new guys stepped up to the challenge and didn’t disappoint.” Acquired in the summer of 2024 from the Bytown Royals, #11 Mitch Gibson and #26 Eric “Doc” Locke have made an immediate impact on the Rockets’ offensive prowess. In Saturday night’s nail biting win, both had a pair of goals and an assist each. Locke, who is an Orthopaedic surgery resident, also took home third star of the game.
Although being outshot 52-28, the Pipers #8 Braeden Pearl managed to tie the game up with just over five minutes to play and send the game into overtime. In the EOSHL, overtime consists of 3 vs 3 in a 5 minute period… a spectators dream with lots of open ice and scoring opportunities. As it looked, the North Dundas Senior Rockets’ unbeaten streak was potentially one shot away from being broken. In the end, the same storyline played out as #10 Connor McCarthy (new to the Rockets this year) netted his 3rd goal of the season with only 47.2 seconds left on the clock. When asked about his game winning goal, the 6’7 240 pound defenceman replied: “I saw there was an opening and I harnessed my inner power forward… and the rest is history.”
Rockets are on the road again this Saturday in Shawville, Quebec, taking on the Pontiac Comets at 7:00 pm. Next home game is Nov 23rd at 2:00pm vs the South Grenville Rangers… please note, there will be a special pre-game ceremony to recognize all individuals responsible for creating the North Dundas Rockets custom mini Zamboni. The question is: ARE YOU GOING TO THE GAME?
