A hat trick by Ryan Sizer was the highlight in Pirates' 7-3 win against the Port Hope Panthers.

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

Port Hope's power play was ineffective against Picton's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

The Pirates forced Panthers' netminders to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots and forcing 28 saves. Branson Schell made 13 stops and Wayne Fryer made 15.

Picton additionally got points from Jack Davison, who also finished with one goal and two assists, Brian Bunnett, who also grabbed one goal and two assists, and Tyler Kearns, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Picton also got a goal from Kenny Murduff as well. More assists for Picton came via Cole Bolton, who had two, Mitchell Smith, who had three, and Brandon Peever and Jeff Kingdon, who contributed one a piece.

The Panthers put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Picton to score on any of its three power plays. Port Hope kept the Pirates' goalie busy throughout the game, and Andrew Pearson made 46 saves on 49 shots.

The Panthers were led by Nick Weiss, who registered two goals. Weiss scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 13:20 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Picton. Port Hope had gained a power play chance when Brad Jacklin was whistled for slashing. Dalton Lawrence assisted on the tally. Weiss' next tally on the power play made the score 6-3 Picton with 15:09 left in the third period. Lawrence picked up the assist. Josh Fulford also scored for Port Hope. In addition, Port Hope received assists from Kyle Sullivan and Jacob Spicer, who each chipped in one.

Picton incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. The Panthers incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.