Maroons Take Series Lead

The Chatham Maroons pulled out a nailbiter win on the back of goalie Darien Ekblad to take a 2-1 series lead over the Strathroy Rockets.

On the powerplay, Chatham got on the board first in the opening frame as defenseman Steven Szekesy fired a shot behind Strathroy goalie Dalen Kuchmey who made an incredible 51 saves in the loss. Ekblad picked up the assist on the opening goal.

The Rockets came back in the second and tied the game on a powerplay of their own after Jake Flegal was sent to the penalty box for Chatham. Brett Dalton scored the goal for Strathroy.

After playing 15 scoreless minutes in the third, Eric Palazzolo put home the winning goal for the Chatham Maroons, with assists going to Blake Blondeel and Conor Doran.

In front of 1,168 fans at Memorial Arena, Darien Ekblad continued to give the Maroons the advantage between the pipes. Ekblad made 31 saves for Chatham.

After dropping the opening game of the series 3-2 to Strathroy, the Maroons have won two straight, 3-2 and 2-1 to take a series lead. Game four is Tuesday at 7:30pm in Strathroy.