A hat trick by Max Balinson was the highlight in Avalanche's 6-1 win against the Pelham Panthers.

Balinson notched his first tally 5:56 into the first period. He then added goals at 18:26 into the first and at 3:07 into the third.

The game was close after the first frame, but the Ancaster Avalanche banged in three goals during the second period to put the victory out of reach for Pelham.

Ancaster stifled the Panthers' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Avalanche kept Pelham's goalie busy throughout the game, and Stephen Harvey made 50 saves on 56 shots. The defensemen of Ancaster were also effective in the Panthers' zone, and came away with four goals.

Others who scored for Ancaster included Ben Hughes, Lucas Pozzobon, and Joshua Pace, who each put in one. In addition, Ancaster received assists from Owen Norton, Michael Pollice, Cole Nagy, Noah Matteson, Fedor Gordeev, Matt Mannella, and Ryan Knill, who each chipped in one and Owen Burnell and Ryan Cox, who contributed two each.

Pelham was led by Zachary Plumb, who scored the team's only goal. Plumb scored 14:40 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Mathiau Young assisted on the tally.

Cole Ceci made 21 saves for the Avalanche on 22 shots. Ancaster incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. The Panthers incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.