Matthew Ross lifted the Exeter Hawks to a 7-3 victory with a hat trick against the North Middlesex Stars.

Ross' first goal came 5:14 into the first period. He then added goals at 9:24 into the second and at 12:07 into the third.

The win moved Exeter to down 2-0 in the best of seven series.

North Middlesex fell victim to a deadly the Hawks power play, which ripped the Stars for five goals.

The referees were busy during the game, as 20 penalties were assessed during the course of the contest.

The Exeter penalty box was a busy place as the team totaled seven minors and one major for 39 minutes in penalty time. The Hawks surpassed its season average of 30 penalty minutes per game. Exeter excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in 13 chances. The defensemen of the Hawks were also effective in North Middlesex's zone, and came away with four goals.

The Stars were often in penalty trouble, totaling 11 minors and one major for 37 minutes in penalty time. North Middlesex had been averaging 27 minutes in penalties per game.

Exeter additionally got points from Ross, who also registered three goals and two assists, Kalvin Thornton, who also grabbed two goals and two assists, Mitch Wild, who also had one goal and three assists, and Steve Gingerich, who also finished with one goal and one assist. In addition, Exeter received assists from Alex Garon, who had three and Tim Burtch and Hayden Cann, who each chipped in one.

The Stars were helped by Chris Wilson, who registered one goal. Wilson scored 16:05 into the third period to make the score 6-3 Exeter. Brodie Balcom picked up the assist. North Middlesex got a goal from Mike Sharpe as well. Other players who recorded assists for North Middlesex were Chris Salmi and Greg Masschelein, who contributed one each.

Exeter stifled North Middlesex's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

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

Exeter also got points from. In addition, Exeter received assists from.

Aaron Bedard turned away 27 pucks between the pipes for the Hawks. Exeter ran into disciplinary problems during the contest, and Ryan Consitt was ejected from the game. Bobby Raine recorded 20 saves for the Stars. For North Middlesex, Cody Wuytenburg was ejected from the game.

The Stars ran into disciplinary problems during the contest, and Wuytenburg was ejected from the game. For the Hawks, Consitt was ejected from the game.