Todd Poirier netted a hat trick to lead the Norwich Merchants over the Simcoe Storm, 7-2.

Poirier notched his first tally 13:15 into the second period. He then added goals at 18:44 into the third and at 19:38 into the third.

After the loss made the series score 1-3 in the best of seven series, Simcoe faces elimination next time out.

Norwich made the most of it opportunities with a man advantage, slotting home four goals while the Storm were on the penalty kill.

The Merchants surpassed their usual scoring output this season. Norwich has scored at the pace of four goals per game during the current campaign.

Norwich additionally got points from Tom Brady, who also grabbed one goal and two assists, Curtis Logan, who also finished with one goal and one assist, and Bryan Phillips, who also registered one goal and two assists. Zach Couwenberg also scored for Norwich. More assists for Norwich came via Jesse Cave, Nick Burdett, Jakob Schira, Cole Vinnai, and Brendan Heffernan, who each chipped in one.

Simcoe kept the Merchants' goalie busy throughout the game, and Matt McGonigle made 31 saves on 33 shots.

The Storm were led by Corey Bethune, who had one goal and one assist. Bethune scored 5:45 into the third period to make the score 5-2 Norwich. Merritt Crumback assisted on the tally. Simcoe also got points from Bethune, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Simcoe got a goal from Conner Robinson as well. In addition, Simcoe received assists from Steve Barati and Pat Fergus, who contributed one each.

Norwich incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Simcoe's starting goalie, Alex Gegeny, made 10 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Alex Stephens, who stopped 11 shots. The Storm incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.