Luke Vanderhulst netted a hat trick to lead the Mt.Brydges Bulldogs over the Thamesford Trojans, 8-3.

Vanderhulst's first goal came 1:10 into the first period. He then added goals at 15:54 into the first and at 14:00 into the second.

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

The Bulldogs forced Trojans' goalies to work between the pipes, firing 32 shots and forcing 24 saves. Chris Walker made 22 stops and James Champagne made two. Mt.Brydges could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 30 minutes in penalties during the game.

Mt.Brydges additionally got points from David Wade, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Adam Fletcher, who also tallied one goal and three assists. Grant Johns also scored for Mt.Brydges. In addition, Mt.Brydges received assists from Jeff Kennedy, who had three and Nate Cross and Connor Lovell, who each chipped in one.

Thamesford's offense rang up 36 shots on the Bulldogs' net. The Trojans could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 40 minutes in penalties during the game.

Thamesford was helped by Connor Allison, who registered one goal. Allison scored on the power play 5:38 into the first period to make the score 1-1. The Trojans earned a power play opportunity when Brady Verougstraete was put in the box for holding. Brandyn Di Domenico assisted on the tally. Thamesford also got a goal from Ethan Doan as well. More assists for Thamesford came via Garrett King and Kyle Walker, who contributed one a piece.

Eric Steinman recorded 33 saves for Mt.Brydges. The Bulldogs registered three goals on 12 power play opportunities. Thamesford registered two goals on seven power play opportunities.