The Mount Forest Patriots got back to the ice for the first time since early February and beat Mitchell 5-2 in the opening game of the PJHL Pollock Division semi-finals.
Hayden Coulter opened the scoring for the Patriots with just over a minute left in the first period.
The second period was more back and forth but Mount Forest was able to win the period 3-2. That included two short handed goals off the blades of Jack Birkett, just 1:23 into the second period, and Michael Steffanelli at the 7:37 mark.
The third period was rough with 58 minutes worth of penalties handed out, including four 10 minute misconducts. Three were for inciting an opponent and one for head contact.
The Patriots ended up 0-for-11 on the power play and Mitchell was 2-for-8 with Ethan Hill and Tanner Hertel scoring for Mitchell.
Game 2 of the series is Saturday in Mitchell at 7:15 p.m.
