Ryan McNeil netted a hat trick to lead the Wingham Ironmen over the Hanover Barons, 8-2.

McNeil notched his first tally 3:46 into the first period. He then added goals at 5:45 into the second and at 1:15 into the third.

Hanover was doomed by its poor performance on special teams, as Wingham was able to score six times while on the power play.

The Ironmen surpassed their usual scoring output this season. This season, Wingham averages 4.8 goals per contest. The Ironmen were forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as they racked up 48 penalty minutes.

Wingham also got points from Holdyn Lansink, who also racked up two goals and two assists, Alex Kuntz, who also grabbed two goals and two assists, and Jordan Skerrett, who also tallied one goal and two assists. Other players who recorded assists for Wingham were Ben Nelson and Brett Brophy, who contributed one each.

The Barons struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as they finished the game with 36 penalty minutes for nine opposing power plays.

Hanover was led by Jarrett Kuntz, who registered one goal and one assist. Kuntz scored on the power play 8:22 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Wingham. The Barons had gained a power play chance when Brophy was whistled for slashing. Colton Culbert picked up the assist. Hanover also got a goal from Justin D Graham as well. In addition, Hanover received assists from Kurt Ruhl and Cole Leslie, who each chipped in one.

Wingham's Nelson stopped 21 shots out of the 23 that he faced. Cody Van der Heide made 13 saves before being replaced by Gord Walmsley, who took the loss and made six saves. Hanover registered two goals on 12 power play opportunities.