Branden Larocque netted a hat trick to lead the Belle River Canadiens over the Wheatley Sharks, 5-1.

Larocque got on the scoresheet 53 seconds into the first period. He then added goals at 16:32 into the first and at 13:52 into the second.

The win moved Belle River to down 2-1 in the best of seven series.

Wheatley was stymied by the Canadiens netminder Zakk Olvin, who stopped 25 shots during the victory. Olvin certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.13 entering the contest.

Belle River put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Sharks to score on any of their three power plays. Wheatley was unable to stop the Canadiens from sending pucks towards the net, and Belle River eventually piled up 32 shots on goal.

Belle River additionally got points from Chris DiNatale, who also registered one goal and one assist. Belle River also got a goal from Connor Goodchild as well. More assists for Belle River came via Billy Eansor, who had one and Mark Manchurek, who had two.

The Canadiens incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Marc Tremblay made 27 saves for the Sharks on 32 shots. Wheatley ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. The Sharks ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Luke Gagnon was ejected from the game.