STRATHROY, ON — The Strathroy Rockets’ 2025/26 season came to an end on March 20th in St. Marys, falling 2–0 in Game 5 to the St. Marys Lincolns at the Pyramid Recreation Centre, resulting in a 4–1 series loss in the opening round of the Sutherland Cup Playoffs.
While the result marks the end of the season, it also signals a significant step forward for a program that entered the year in a rebuild phase.
After a slow start to the season, the Rockets made key additions that quickly shifted momentum, emerging as one of the hotter teams in the league down the stretch. The progress made throughout the year has accelerated the organization’s timeline, putting the Rockets ahead of schedule in their rebuild.
This season marked the team’s first playoff berth in the highly competitive two-conference era, alongside a notable increase in attendance at the West Middlesex Memorial Centre—an encouraging sign of the growing connection between the team and the Strathroy community.
The Rockets battled adversity throughout the latter part of the season, with several key players managing injuries that intensified into the playoffs. Despite this, the group remained resilient, gaining valuable postseason experience that will serve as a foundation moving forward.
On the ice, fan favourites Jake Ritson and Zachary LeBlanc delivered standout seasons, establishing themselves among the league’s top performers and positioning themselves for bright futures ahead.
Behind the bench, rookie coaching staff members Matt Bowes, Parker Smith, and Tyler McLean made an immediate impact in their first season at this level, setting a strong standard for development and culture within the organization.
Off the ice, the Rockets’ front office continued to make strides in strengthening the franchise—enhancing fan engagement, improving the game-day experience, and laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and success.
Honouring Leadership and Commitment
The Rockets would like to recognize captain William Hull, who played his final junior hockey game on March 20th. A four-year member of the organization, Hull exemplified loyalty, integrity, and leadership throughout his time in Strathroy.
His commitment to the program and representation of the Rockets both on and off the ice set a standard that will have a lasting impact on the organization.
The team would also like to acknowledge Quinn Gavin-White, whose leadership and character quickly made him a valued presence during his time with the Rockets. Quinn will continue his hockey journey with the Hearst Lumberjacks as they pursue a Centennial Cup berth.
The organization extends its gratitude to both players for their contributions and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.
A Community-Driven Organization
The Strathroy Rockets extend a sincere thank you to their fans and the Strathroy community for their continued and growing support throughout the season. The organization is proud to represent the town and looks forward to building on that connection in the years ahead.
The Rockets also wish to thank their sponsors, whose support plays a critical role in providing opportunities for young athletes to pursue elite hockey.
To the billet families—your willingness to open your homes and support our players goes beyond the game, creating lifelong relationships and experiences that define junior hockey.
The organization would also like to recognize its volunteers, community committee, and municipal staff. Your dedication and commitment were instrumental in the progress made this season, both on and off the ice.
Looking Ahead
With the majority of the roster eligible to return for the 2026/27 season, the Rockets are well-positioned to take the next step in building toward sustained success.
This season represented just the beginning of a larger vision—to bring high-level junior hockey success back to Strathroy.
Fans can expect further updates and announcements in the coming weeks as the organization prepares for the next chapter.
From the Head Coach
Head Coach Matt Bowes shared his thoughts following the season:
“The sting of defeat is never easy, and it’s something we feel deeply within our room. That said, every player and staff member should be incredibly proud of the strides we took this season.
To our fans—thank you for your unwavering support. Through every high and low, you showed these young athletes just how much this community values them. That support helped bring this group together, not just as a team, but as a family.
The atmosphere at the WMMC was electric all season long. We are truly grateful not only for the energy in the stands, but also for the dedicated game day volunteers who make it all possible.
We will take time to reflect, learn, and grow from this experience—and we will be back stronger.
Lastly, thank you to our GM, Andrew Ferlatte, for believing in us as a coaching staff and providing us with the opportunity and support to grow.
Thank you all.”
From the General Manager
Rockets General Manager & Governor Andrew Ferlatte reflected on the season:
“Losing never gets any easier, but when you look at the bigger picture, we’ve accomplished a lot this year that goes beyond hockey. We’ve supported initiatives that gave back not only to our community, but to causes that help people outside of it as well.
We’ve taken real steps in putting the Rockets back on the map in Strathroy. There’s a lot to be excited about heading into the 2026/27 season. It’s tough right now, but what we built this year gives us something real to build on moving forward.”
“I have full confidence in the entire staff we have in our organization, we all have a common goal, and are pulling the rope in the same direction.”
