A hat trick by Andrew McLennan was the highlight in Trojans' 7-5 win against the Exeter Hawks.

McLennan's first goal came 28 seconds into the first period. He then added goals at 9:01 into the first and at 11:21 into the second.

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

Thamesford made Hawks' goaltenders to work all game long, finishing with 31 shots and forcing 24 saves. Colton James made 10 stops and Bryan Paolotto made 14.

Thamesford also got points from Dylan Salter, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Kyle Walker, who also finished with two goals and two assists. Thamesford also got a goal from Stavros Mandrapilias as well. More assists for Thamesford came via Adam Levine, who had three and James Toye, Ben Kirwin, and Beau Diloreto, who contributed one a piece.

Exeter kept the Trojans' goalie busy throughout the game, and Tynan Lauziere made 32 saves on 37 shots.

The Hawks were helped by Cam Jude, who had one goal and two assists. Jude scored on the power play 13:07 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Thamesford. Exeter had gained a power play chance when Dylan Black was whistled for high sticking. Ashton Waters assisted on the tally. Exeter additionally got points from Kalvin Thornton, who also racked up one goal and one assist, Chris Chapman, who also grabbed one goal and two assists, and Waters, who also registered one goal and one assist. Chiristopher Pfaff also scored for Exeter. In addition, Exeter received assists from Zach Anderson and Taylor Moir, who each chipped in one.

Thamesford totaled 44 minutes in penalty time with 12 minors and two majors and went 2-for-6 on the power play. For the Trojans, Brett Dyck and McLennan were ejected from the contest. The Hawks totaled 49 minutes in penalty time with 12 minors and one major and went 3-for-9 on the power play. For Exeter, Ryan Consitt was ejected from the game.