Cole Skinner stood on his head and made 26 saves to lead the Hawkesbury Hawks to a 4-1 victory over the Smiths Falls Bears.
The win gave Hawkesbury a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.
The Hawks were sparked by Joe Smith, who finished with one goal. Smith scored short handed 18:56 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Hawkesbury. Hawkesbury played down a man on Jonathan Cyr's slashing. Damien Charette assisted on the tally.
The Hawks stifled Smiths Falls' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Hawkesbury kept the Bears' goalie busy throughout the game, and Evan DeBrouwer made 32 saves on 36 shots.
Others who scored for Hawkesbury included Vincent Crivello, Bruno Cheff, and Reid Murphy, who each put in one. More assists for Hawkesbury came via Johnathan Kovacevic, Jacob Drobczyk, and Brett Everson, who each chipped in one.
Smiths Falls excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in six chances.
The Bears were led by Jesse Blais, who scored the team's only goal. Blais scored 9:51 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Hawkesbury. Broydon Stufko picked up the assist.
The Hawks incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Smiths Falls incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.
