CJ Smith netted a hat trick to lead the Austin Bruins over the Bismarck Bobcats, 4-2.

Smith got on the scoresheet 2:06 into the first period. He then added goals at 2:21 into the first and at 7:50 into the third.

The win gave Austin a 1-0 lead in the best of five series.

The Bruins excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances.

Austin also got points from John Simonson, who also registered one goal and three assists to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Austin were Kody Reuter, who had one and Chris Fischer, who had four.

Bismarck kept Austin's goalie busy throughout the game, and Nicholas Lehr made 38 saves on 40 shots.

The Bobcats were helped by Cory Chapman, who had one goal. Chapman scored 9:27 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Austin. Daniel Kovar provided the assist. Bismarck also got a goal from Stanislav Dzakhov as well. In addition, Bismarck received assists from Levi Blom, Matt Pohlkamp, and Joe Giordano, who contributed one a piece.

The Bruins incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Aaron Nelson recorded 20 saves for Bismarck. The Bobcats incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.