Strathroy Rockets 60th Anniversary & Alumni Night

written by Alana Lister

For 60 years, the Strathroy Rockets Junior team has been so much more than just a hockey team – they’ve lit up the ice with unwavering team spirit and a sense of community pride that has inspired the ­people of Strathroy and surrounding area for more than half a century. This 2025–2026 season marks the 60th anniversary of the team’s first formation in the 1965–1966 season, and everyone is warmly invited to join in on the festivities at the Strathroy Rockets 60th Anniversary & Alumni Night. This event will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Strathroy Rockets’ rich history and proud legacy, both within Strathroy and area and the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL). Over six decades, the Strathroy team has undergone numerous re-brands and shifted ­divisions several times, but through all of these logistical changes, the proud spirit

of the Strathroy Rockets has remained strong. Beginning in 1965, the Rockets joined what was known as the Western Junior “B” league, and a few years later in 1968, the team then joined the Central “B” league, before moving back to the Western Junior B league in 1969 and ­ceasing operations for a brief time in 1972. Between 1972 and 1975, the local team was known as the Strathroy Falcons, and moved again to the Western Junior “D” league. New changes were introduced again in 1975, when the team became the Strathroy Blades and rejoined the revived Western “B” league. Finally, in 1994, the team re-established themselves as the Strathroy Rockets, and have graced the GOHL ice under that name in the Western “B” ever since.

The unwavering spirit of the Rockets has only continued to strengthen in the new millennium, and remains to this day an integral part of Strathroy’s local culture and sense of hometown pride.

The Rockets were the proud holders of the Western Ontario Junior Hockey League (WOJHL) title in the 2006–2007 season, defeating the Sarnia Blast over seven games, before succumbing to the Cambridge WinterHawks in the final stage of the Sutherland Cup competition. Former NHL player Cory Conacher is the current owner of the Strathroy Rockets, and Mr. Conacher appointed skilled hockey management professional Andrew Ferlatte as the team’s current General Manager on June 1, 2024. In its 60 years, the Strathroy Rockets has produced many notable alumni, ­including NHL players Brian Campbell, Doug Crossman and Andy McDonald, now-retired NHL referee Don Van Massenhoven and actor Jared Keeso, among many others. This season, the Strathroy Rockets will be celebrating their decorated past, rich present and bright future, as the community honours the inspiration that this hockey team has been and will continue to be for the community of Strathroy and area for generations to come.

Though the 60th anniversary is a full-season-long commemoration of the team's historic legacy, the Strathroy Rockets of the GOHL are excited to invite everyone in Strathroy and area to the keystone event at the center of the festivities: the Strathroy Rockets 60th Anniversary & Alumni Night. On Saturday December 13, 2025, all are invited to gather at the West Middlesex Memorial Centre (WMMC), known as the home barn and rink of the Strathroy Rockets, for an unforgettable night of proud community spirit. At the heart of the event will be the ­foundational core that has brought the Strathroy Rockets and their community together for 60 wonderful years: the love of the game.

Doors will open at 5:30pm, and at 7:30pm, the puck will drop for a thrilling regular season home game against the Sarnia Legionnaires team.

The chilly air is sure to be filled with cheers, adrenaline, laughter and a hearty dose of the small-town nostalgia that has allowed this team to become such a cornerstone of the community through its many decades. In addition to the anniversary hockey game, the night’s attractions will also include a curated display in the second floor meeting room of the venue, carefully prepared by Museum Strathroy-Caradoc, showcasing artifacts, pictures, articles and many more pieces of precious Rockets and Blades memorabilia on display for limited-time-only enjoyment. What's more, the evening will also feature chances to meet Strathroy Rockets alumni, watch a ­ceremonial puck drop at the game and enjoy a post-game meet and greet in the Launchpad.

The event will be a GOHL Hockey spotlight game, proudly presented to the ­community by 519 Sports Online and additionally sponsored by Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill of Strathroy. Other sponsors of the Strathroy Rockets Junior team include Domino’s Pizza, Canadian Tire and Hamstra Carpet One Floor & Home, and the team sends their grateful thanks to these partners for their continued support and dedication. To reserve tickets early for the Alumni & 60th Anniversary game on December 13, please purchase tickets online through https://square.link/u/1TfwfB9n. All alumni are free for this game and are to pre-register via email to Colleen@strathroyrockets.ca. For all other guests, gate prices will be as follows: $12 for adults, $10 for students ages 10+ and seniors ages 55+. Children ages 10 and under are free when ­accompanied by an adult. The venue boasts a spacious free parking lot, and the Strathroy Rockets invite everyone to join them in aiming to completely fill their home rink, which has a capacity of 950 persons. Additionally, all interested in ­volunteering or in simply finding out more information on the event are welcome to email Shari@strathroyrockets.ca, and those ­interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to email Kevin@strathroyrockets.ca. This celebratory event will be run by the members of the Rockets Community Committee, Rockets hockey operations staff, volunteers, Museum Strathroy-Caradoc and municipal staff. This dedicated group is always open to partnering with more volunteers and ­sponsors to help further support the ­community’s strong hockey legacy.

Across six legendary decades, the Strathroy Rockets Junior team has represented the community with sporting prowess, small-town pride and true team spirit that has had the power to bring hundreds of people together through the love of hockey. This December,

all are invited to come and be a part of this ever-growing legacy – to celebrate a team that never gives up and only continues to grow stronger through its highs and lows, uniting its local community together for generations through the shared love of Canada’s proudest sport.

for more information visit

rockets.gohl.ca