The Welland Jr. Canadians had trouble finding ways to stop the Thorold Blackhawks, as the Blackhawks defeated the Jr. Canadians 6-2 in GOJHL hockey action.

The win by Thorold clinched the best of seven quarterfinal series at 4-3.

The Blackhawks were led by Anthony Scornaienchi, who scored in the first period to give Thorold their first lead. Scornaienchi scored 7:28 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Thorold. Greg Cerilli provided the assist.

Thorold made Welland's goaltenders work without much rest, totaling 34 shots and forcing 28 saves. Matt Coulombe made nine stops and Chris McDougall made 19.

The Blackhawks got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Thorold also got points from Owen Sobchak, Colt Kennedy and Mackenzie Mac Avoy who all had one goal and one assist.  Joel Forestell netted the other goal for the Blackhawks. In addition, Thorold received assists from Tanner Hildebrandt and Dan Chudobiak, who each chipped in one and Robert MacFarlane and Kelly Barchan, who contributed two a piece.

The Jr. Canadians were led by Brendan O Brien, who tallied one goal. O Brien scored 4:50 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Welland. Matt Vizzari picked up the assist. Anthony Marra also scored for Welland. More assists for Welland came via Adam Mataya, Robbie Lepine, and Braden Curry, who each chipped in one.

The Blackhawks' Evan Buitenhuis stopped 29 shots out of the 31 that he faced.

Thorold incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. In addition, Forestell was ejected from the game.

Welland totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-3 on the power play. For the Jr. Canadians, Mack Seebach was ejected from the game. 

The Blackhawks will now take on the St. Catharines Falcons in the Golden Horseshoe Conference semifinals.  That series begins Wednesday in St. Catharines.