The Hanover Barons are one step closer to winning the Schmalz Cup.
The team hosted the Essex 73's in Game 1 of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) final on Saturday, winning 6-1.
It took the Barons less than five minutes in the first period to score twice. The first was scored by Sam Barrett, his 8th of the playoffs, and the second by Alex McGillivray, his 20th of the postseason.
Essex got its only goal of the game a few minutes later from Gabe Barrette, his 8th postseason goal, before Barrett restored the Barons' two-goal lead with his 2nd goal of the game.
Mark McIntosh got his 24th goal of the playoffs in the second period.
Barrett capped the scoring with two more goals in the third period, his 3rd and 4th of the game.
Barons' goalie Derek Hartley made 30 saves in the win, while Essex's Brogan Colquhoun and Adrian McBride combined for 27 saves in the loss.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will be in Essex on Sunday. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.