By Nolan Reid

It was not the start to 2013 the Rocket had hoped for in a 6-1 loss to division-rival Acadie-Bathurst Titan Thursday night at the Civic Centre.

The loss drops the Rocket to a season record of 21-15-2-0.

It is a tough loss, said Rocket forward Louick Marcotte who had the lone goal for the Rocket with under a minute left in the game.

"We came out soft..and they made us pay."

The Titan was quick to the offence opening up a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes of play with goals from Michael Beaudry, Andrew Meredith and Matthew Bissonnette respectively. Maxime Lagace started the game, but was replaced by Antoine Bibeau to start to the second period.

"We took them very lightly," said Marcotte. "They took advantage of their chances and scored three goals…it's hard to comeback after getting scored on like that."

Francois Godin and Beaudry (power play) had goals in the second period to give the Titan a 5-0 lead. The Rocket outshot Bathurst 21-10 in the second period but could not bury a goal on Titan net minder Jacob Brennan.

Marcotte said Brennan played a solid game for the Titan.

"We got frustrated for that. It's hard to not score in your (own) building. It's even harder because you don't want to look bad in front of your crowd."

Raphael Lafontaine added a shorthanded goal in the third period to give the Titan a 6-0 lead. Marcotte spoiled the shutout bid for Brennan with 49 seconds left in the game.

Brennan made 39 saves in goal for the Titan.

Lagace made sevens saves in the first period. Bibeau stopped 19 pucks over two periods of play.

The Rocket travels to Saint John on Saturday to battle the Sea Dogs. The Rocket returns home Sunday, January 6th against the Halifax Mooseheads at 3 p.m.