WEEKEND REPORT: Rockhounds Win Both Games

The Bancroft Rockhounds earned their first back to back wins this past weekend since beginning the season 2-0.

On Saturday, November 2nd, the Rockhounds got revenge on the Bradford Rattlers winning 5-2 after receiving an ugly 9-0 loss on September 28.

Between the pipes for the Rockhounds was rookie goaltender, Addison Zeich who kicked away 47 pucks, while earning first star of the game.

Leading the way offensively for Bancroft was standout rookie, Leon Hartl (3 goals, 1 assist), who earned the first ever hat trick in Rockhounds history.  

Hartl opened the scoring in the first period on a power play goal with assists from Eric McCabe and Lucas Timm.  Brayden Morris capitalized on his own power play goal to tie the game for the Rattlers with under 3 minutes to go in the period.

The Rockhounds killed off two penalties early in the second period, which proved to be a big turning point in the game as the first line was able to score 2 quick goals shortly after from McCabe and Hartl.  Assists coming from captain Zach Leonardi and assistant captain Vitezslav Klesla.

Newcomer, Brett Machin extended the lead with his first goal of the season, coming on the power play midway through the third period.  With the extra attacker, Brayden Morris scored his second goal of the game for the Rattlers before Leon Hartl secured the win for the Rockhounds with an empty net goal.

“We were just the tougher team and wanted it more.  It was a group effort from the net out” added coach Dubblestyne.  “I think when Addison made that big save on the breakaway to keep the game tied 1-1 it was a major turning point for us.  After that the boys just had the energy to win the game”

The Sunday Matinee was Bancroft’s second win of the weekend and third win over the past four games.  With under 24 hours between games, the Rockhounds defeated the Ottawa Sharpshooters by a score of 5-1 at the Sensplex Richcraft arena in Gloucester, Ontario.

Coming off a big win the night before, It did not take long for the Rockhounds to get on the board, scoring 31 seconds into the game with a short handed goal by Lucas Timm.  Timm finished the game with 2 goals, 1 assist, both goals coming on the penalty kill including a rare 5 on 3 goal.

Another strong goaltending performance, this time from Quebec native Thomas Henry who was named first star of the game, standing in front of 36 shots.

The Rockhounds back end also chipped in with a pair of rare goals from Vitezslav Klesla and Erik Muljar, as did Tyler Delina for his second goal of the year.  

Nathan Bouthiller scored the loan goal for the Sharpshooters.

The Rockhounds look to extend their winning streak as they visit the Northumberland Stars (5-7-3) on Friday, November 8th and then back at home to face the Durham Roadrunners (8-10-0) on Saturday, November 9th.