No matter what happens Thursday night, the Sarnia Legionnaires have already lasted longer in the playoffs than two teams that finished ahead of them in the standings.

That's because there were two big upsets in the Western Ontario Hockey Conference last night. The second seeded Strathroy Rockets were eliminated by the seventh ranked St. Thomas Stars and the fourth place St. Marys Lincolns were ousted by the fifth place LaSalle Vipers. Both the Rockets and Lincs are headed to the golf course after playing just five playoff games. The defending champion Legionnaires, despite all their troubles this season, are certain to play at least six post season contests.

Sarnia, which finished in sixth place, is home Thursday to the Chatham Maroons, who ended up in third at the conclusion of the regular schedule. Chatham leads the best-of-seven quarterfinal series 3-2 in games.

At Strathroy, Sarnia natives Chris Rocca and Dave Morden both scored as the Stars edged the Rockets 4-2 to win the series in five games. At St. Marys, the Vipers defeated the Lincs 5-3 to take them out in five contests as well.

Former Legionnaire defenceman Josh Cornelissen, who was traded to the Lincolns earlier this season, finished the series with five assists to his credit. There is also a Sarnia connection with Strathroy, which obtained former Legionnaire Derek Nap in a trade earlier this campaign.

If the Legionnaires can pull off an upset in their series, they will be in the final four, because Leamington was knocked out in four straight by London last week and Lambton Shores missed the playoffs.