The Hanover Barons edged Wingham 2-1 in the opening game of the Pollock Division semi-finals.
Scoring came at a premium.
Barons' forward Owen Torrie opened the scoring at 14:41 of the second period.
The second goal of the game didn't come until the 15:51 mark of the third period when Hanover forward Ryan Colquhoun found the back of the net.
Wingham's goal came with just a minute to play in the third period off the stick of Jonah Burley.
Hanover goalie Ryan McCabe made 34 saves while Devon Carson made 32 for Wingham.
Game 2 of the series goes Friday night in Wingham at 8 p.m.
The opening game of the Mount Forest Patriots - Mitchell Hawks series is at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
