A hat trick by Ross Mandigo was the highlight in Hawks' 6-3 win against the Smiths Falls Bears.

Mandigo notched his first tally 35 seconds into the second period. He then added goals at 17:57 into the second and at 1:26 into the third.

The Hawkesbury Hawks pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 16 penalty minutes.

Hawkesbury forced Smiths Falls' goaltenders to work in net, firing 42 shots and forcing 36 saves. Michael Pinios made 24 stops and Cole Skinner made 12. The Hawks stifled the Bears' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Hawkesbury found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. The Hawks average 3.4 goals per game.

Hawkesbury also got points from Reid Murphy, who also racked up one goal and two assists and Hunter Racine, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Hawkesbury also got a goal from Jason Brochu as well. Other players who recorded assists for Hawkesbury were Damien Charette, who had two and Jonathan Cyr, Chris Harper, and Phil Johansson, who contributed one each.

Smiths Falls' penalty kill was ineffective, and let in three goals to Hawkesbury's power play unit. The Bears got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Smiths Falls was led by Brody Brunet, who finished with one goal and one assist. Brunet scored 5:23 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Smiths Falls. Taylor Henry provided the assist. Others who scored for Smiths Falls included Chase Hawley and Daniel Lombardi, who each put in one. In addition, Smiths Falls received assists from Broydon Stufko, Josh Leblanc, Darius Gibson, and Cole Busschaert, who each chipped in one.

Gunner Rivers made 18 saves for the Hawks on 21 shots. The Bears incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.