After failing to make post-season play last year, the St. Thomas Stars suffered through a frustratingly quick exit from the playoffs this campaign.
The eighth-place Stars dropped a 4-1 decision to Chatham at the Joe Thornton Community Centre on Friday night, allowing the first-place Maroons to sweep the best-of-seven opening round series.
The match-ups for the Western Conference semifinals have yet to be determined.
Chatham hopes to repeat as Sutherland Cup champions, having knocked off the St. Catharines Falcons in six games last year.
