By Mark McKenzie

BISMARCK – All the top seeds picked up wins in the opening round of the West Region hockey tournament in Bismarck on Thursday, and that included a Jamestown defeat to Minot 6-1.

The Magicians jumped on the Jays with two first period goals and never looked back.

Jamestown received a power play goal in the second period from senior Tyson Jorissen, his 12th of the season. Assists went to junior Nate Walz and senior Adam Sortland. That goal cut the Minot lead to 2-1, but the Jays would get no closer.

Senior goalie Louis Kjellberg finished with 37 saves as Jamestown was outshot 43-11.

The Magicians were led by their leading scorer, junior Mackley Morelli, with two goals, his 23rd and 24th of the season.

Jamestown, 10-12, now faces a loser out game on Friday against Williston. The Jays lost twice to the Coyotes during the season. Williston fell to Bismarck Legacy 7-0 on Thursday.

Coverage of Friday’s game will begin at approximately 1:00 PM on The Voice of the Blue Jays, Jamestown 107.1.

Also in the first round Thursday, Bismarck Century edged Bottineau/Rugby 2-1 and Dickinson shut out Mandan 4-0.