Tyler Masson had four goals to lead the Mitchell Hawks to a 6-1 victory over the Hanover Barons.

Masson notched his first tally 1:42 into the first period. He then added goals at 16:00 into the first, at 1:15 into the second, and at 17:25 into the second.

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

Hanover's power play was ineffective against the Hawks' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Mitchell put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Barons to score on any of their six power plays. 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 Andrew Davis, who totaled two minutes in penalty time with one minor.

Mitchell additionally got points from Ryan Magagnin, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Mitchell got a goal from Matt Van DeWalle as well. In addition, Mitchell received assists from Chris Newcombe, who had two, Tyler Egerdee, who had three, and Jeff McArdle, Jade Maxwell, Jalen Aitcheson, and Dillon Drinkwalter, who contributed one each.

Hanover was held below its usual level of production. The Barons average three goals per game. Hanover's defense was uncharacteristically lax during the game. The Barons give up two goals per game. Hanover could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 54 minutes in penalties during the game. The leading offender was Jason Demetrius, who totaled 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one misconduct.

The Barons were led by Ben Davis, who scored the team's only goal. Davis scored 9:10 into the third period to make the score 5-1 Mitchell.

Mitchell's Drew Reinhardt stopped 17 shots out of the 18 that he faced. The Hawks registered three goals on 15 power play opportunities. Derick Mitchell recorded 24 saves for Hanover. For the Barons, Trent Hay, Matt Drake, and Rob Lucciantonio were ejected from the contest.