EXETER – The Exeter Hawks are a win away from eliminating the North Middlesex Stars – last year's Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League (SOJHL) champion – from the playoffs.

Exeter beat the Hawks 2-1 in overtime last night (March 16) to take a three-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven series.

The game was a fast-paced and intense affair that saw neither team score until the second period, when Stars player Chris Wilson found the net 11:44 into the frame.

Exeter's Justin Reid tied the game near the mid-way point of the third period, but neither team was able to capitalize on its chances in the ensuing 10 minutes.

Hawks forward Josh Brohman scored the winning goal just over a minute into overtime and was mobbed by teammates afterward.

Hawks goalie Gregg Dodds had 35 saves in the win, while North Middlesex goalie Aaron Bedard, a Hensall resident, had 28.

Exeter can clinch the series Friday in Parkhill with a game scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. Game 6 if necessary goes Saturday in Exeter at 7:30 p.m.