A stellar performance between the pipes by Ben Nelson helped the Wingham Ironmen defeat the Mitchell Hawks, 3-1.

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

Mitchell's power play was ineffective against the Ironmen's penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Wingham was sparked by Ryan McNeil, who finished with one goal and one assist. McNeil scored 19:01 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Wingham. Mitch Deelstra picked up the assist.

The Ironmen put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Hawks to score on any of their seven power plays.

Others who scored for Wingham included Greg Hansford and Jeremy Ross, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Wingham were Greg Scott, Josh Perdue, and Broedy Karelse, who each chipped in one.

Mitchell was led by Jalen Aitcheson, who scored the team's only goal. Aitcheson scored 17:23 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Mitchell. Garrett James assisted on the tally.

Nelson recorded 28 saves for Wingham. The Ironmen incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Brock Baier made 24 saves for the Hawks on 27 shots. Mitchell incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors.