The Mitchell Hawks tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Walkerton Hawks held on for a 2-1 victory.

Walkerton took a 2-0 lead during the third period, only to have Mitchell storm back on a Jake Finlayson goal 17:32 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

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

Walkerton was led by goalie Tristan Lewis, who finished with 26 saves while allowing one goal. Despite the solid performance, Lewis will actually see his goals against average rise, as it stood at 1.0 entering the contest.

The Hawks pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 28 penalty minutes.

Walkerton's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six Mitchell power plays. The Hawks were unable to stop the Hawks from sending pucks towards the net, and Walkerton eventually piled up 35 shots on goal.

The Hawks were led by Tyler Cunningham, who tallied one goal and one assist. Cunningham scored 8:24 into the third period to make the score 2-0 Walkerton. Nathan Kramer also scored for Walkerton. More assists for Walkerton came via Josh Deyell, who had one.

Walkerton registered one goal on three power play opportunities. For the Hawks, Deyell was ejected from the game. Graeme Lauersen recorded 33 saves for Mitchell. The Hawks incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors.