PORT HARDY—Eddie Walkus scored a hat trick and Corey Swain added a goal and four assists Friday as the Port Hardy Warriors handed the Port McNeill Mustangs their first loss in a 6-1 drubbing in commercial league play at Don Cruickshank Memorial Arena.
The game was tied 1-1 at intermission after Walkus and Tom Cessford of the Mustangs traded goals in the opening period.
The score held until 14:18 remained, when the hosts suddenly unloaded on Mustangs goalie Bob Wells with goals from Jeff Cowles, Walkus and Shelby Cockell in a four-minute span to grab a 4-1 lead.
With goalie Cole Morton keeping the Mustangs (4-1-1) off the board at the other end, the Warriors (5-2-1) eventually provided the final score with late insurance goals from Swain and Walkus.
The win kicked off a big weekend for the Warriors, who topped the Bulls 3-0 the following day in the inaugural Movember fundraiser for men's health.
Also on Friday, the Neucel Islanders (1-3-1) notched a 5-3 win over the Bulls (2-6-1) in Port Alice.