Berg nets winner for Rock in triple OT thriller

photo by Darryl Smart

After two scoreless overtime periods, Wes Berg netted the winner two minutes into the third extra frame, giving the Oakville Rock a 8-7 win over the Six Nations Pro-Fit Chiefs in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Major Series Lacrosse semifinal.
Despite the Rock outshooting the second-seeded Chiefs throughout the game, Dillon Ward kept the fourth-seeded team at bay, making 65 stops.
The two teams exchanged goals in the first period. Vaughn Harris and Kyle Jackson scored for the Chiefs, while Brad Kri and Dan Lomas responded for the Rock.
Brett Hickey led the Rock in the second period, scoring a pair to give his team a two leads, before Jackson, Ryan Benesch, Randy Staats and Harris scored to give the Chiefs another edge 40 minutes.
Rob Hellyer scored the other Rock goal.
In the third period, Ryan Launchbury tied things up before Jordan Durston gave the Chiefs another lead five minutes in. But Brett Ulbikas' goal with six minutes left in regulation forced overtime.
While Ward made 65 saves, Nick Rose had 47 stops at the other end for the Rock.
Game 2 is Thursday in Oakville at 8 p.m.

THE SERIES
Game 1 Rock 8, Chiefs 7 OT3
Game 2 August 3 in Oakville 8 p.m.
Game 3 August 8 at ILA 8 p.m.
Game 4 August 10 in Oakville 8 p.m.
Game 5 August 12 at ILA 7 p.m.
Game 6 August 14 in Oakville 8 p.m.
Game 7 August 15 at ILA 8 p.m.