NORTH BAY - The new line of Liam Hawel between James McEwan and Albert Michnac accounted for all three goals Thursday night as the Guelph Storm downed the North Bay Battalion 3-1 to kick off its three-game road trip.
Michnac assisted on all three Storm goals, McEwan scored a pair of goals and Hawel had his first in a Storm uniform.
Liam Herbst made 37 saves in the Storm net. His shutout bid was ended with three minutes remaining in the game when Justin Brazeau scored.
"I was seeing the puck pretty well tonight and felt good going into the game ... I had some help from God tonight with a few posts, so I'll take that," Herbst said after the game.
"Playing in the Western Conference you have to bring 100 per cent into every game or you're going to get blown out, not just lose. That's something we have to remember every night."
Herbst has had a few long nights in North Bay's Memorial Gardens over the years as a member of the Eastern Conference with the Ottawa 67's.
"I remember some tough losses in this building last year, so personally it's nice to redeem myself and end off my OHL career in this building on a good note."
Guelph led 2-0 after the first period and 3-0 after two.
Kyle Rhodes, Hawel and Austin Hall had assists for the Storm.
Guelph plays in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday before wrapping up the road trip with a Sunday afternoon game in Flint.
