Dylan Bedard had two goals and one assist to lead the Exeter Hawks to a 7-4 victory over the North Middlesex Stars.

Bedard found the back of the net 2:44 into the second period to make the score 2-2 and again while 15:39 into the third to make the score 7-4 Exeter.

The win gave Exeter a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

The referees were busy during the game, as 17 penalties were assessed during the course of the contest.

The Hawks' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five North Middlesex power plays. Exeter forced North Middlesex goalie Bobby Raine to work between the pipes, taking 48 shots. The defensemen of the Hawks were also effective in the Stars' zone, and came away with two goals.

Exeter stifled North Middlesex's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Hawks could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 18 minutes in penalties during the game. The leading offender was Matthew McLellan, who totaled four minutes in penalty time with two minors.

Exeter additionally got points from Kalvin Thornton, who also tallied one goal and two assists. Exeter got a goal from Matthew Ross as well. Other players who recorded assists for Exeter were Alex Garon, who had two and Aaron Bedard, Tim Burtch, Steve Gingerich, Josh Brideau, and Brandon Gautreau, who contributed one each.

Exeter also got points from. Ross also scored for Exeter. More assists for Exeter came via.

Exeter was unable to stop the Stars from sending pucks towards the net, and North Middlesex eventually piled up 50 shots on goal. The Stars could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 16 minutes in penalties during the game. The leading offender was Matt Lenz, who totaled four minutes in penalty time with two minors.

North Middlesex was helped by Chris Wilson, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Wilson scored 17:18 into the first period to make the score 2-0 North Middlesex. Chris Salmi assisted on the tally. North Middlesex got a goal from Mike Slegers as well. In addition, North Middlesex received assists from Mike Sharpe, who had two and Tyler Kettler, Matt Carroll, and Connor Knapman, who contributed one each.

Slegers also scored for North Middlesex. More assists for North Middlesex came via.

Bedard turned away 46 pucks between the pipes for the Hawks. Exeter registered one goal on four power play opportunities. Raine recorded 41 saves for the Stars.