The Thunder Bay North Stars raced out to a 4-0 first period lead and cruised to a 10-5 win over the English River Miners at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay on Wednesday.
Bradley Belisle had the hat trick and Mathias Gardiman added a pair as the North Stars grabbed a 2-0 lead in the Best-of-5 opening round series.
Landen Matechuk led the way for the Miners with three goals.
Taylor Bargar and Alex Maticic added singles.
The Miners were outshot 52-33.
Thunder Bay can wrap up the series with a win in Game 3 Friday night in Ear Falls.
