By Darryl G. Smart

The Ayr Centennials struck three times in the second period to beat the Norwich Jr C Merchants 3-2 in Game 1 of their Provincial Junior Hockey League PJHL Doherty Division quarter-final Thursday.
After Nolan Kelly opened the scoring four minutes into the second frame, before Eric Malty netted his first goal of the game just over a minute later.
Benjamin Cripps made it a one-goal game midway through the frame, before Maltby added another.
Simon Storoschuk got the Merchants back to within a goal with two and a half minutes to go.
Ryan Baux made 37 saves for the Centennials, while Zach Johnston had 22 stops.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven quarter-final is in Norwich Friday at 8pm.

BLOOMFIELD DIVISION
A couple of series in the PJHL Bloomfield Division got underway as well.
After getting shocked by the Niagara RiverHawks Jr. Hockey Club 3-2 in Game 1, the Glanbrook Rangers rebounded with a 6-1 victory to even out their best-of-seven quarter-final.
Also on Thursday, the Hespeler Shamrocks struck first in its best-of-seven PJHL Bloomfield Division quarter-final, with a 4-3 win over the Dundas Blues.