Brandon Vuic scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Stoney Creek Warriors held off the challenges of the Port Colborne Pirates in a tough 5-3 win.

Stoney Creek took over the lead for good with a goal by Vuic at 9:14 in the first period. Mike Casale picked up the assist.

The win gave the Warriors a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Stoney Creek was sparked by Luke Scott, who had one goal. Scott scored on the power play 10:05 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Stoney Creek. The Warriors had gained a power play chance when Michael Sharp was whistled for interference. Jake Milligan provided the assist.

Stoney Creek's penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as the Warriors finished with 36 penalty minutes. Stoney Creek got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Stoney Creek also got points from Derek Searle, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Kyle Dube also scored for Stoney Creek. Other players who recorded assists for Stoney Creek were Myles Falasca and Luke Nogard, who each chipped in one.

Port Colborne found itself short handed often, totaling 24 penalty minutes and allowing five power plays. Team could not crack the Warriors' penalty kill and was held to two power play goals while having nine opportunities to play with the man advantage.

The Pirates were helped by Bryan Komasara, who tallied one goal. Komasara scored on the power play 5:48 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Stoney Creek. A cross checking penalty on Nogard had put Port Colborne on the power play. Drake Heart picked up the assist. Port Colborne also got a goal from Zoran Popel as well. More assists for Port Colborne came via Nick Schiro, Thomas Sestini, and Zach DeConcilys, who contributed one a piece.

Stoney Creek's Brock Novak stopped 27 shots out of the 30 that he faced. The Warriors ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Brandon Elliott was ejected from the game. Morgan Hudson made five saves before being replaced by Real Cormier, who took the loss and made 15 saves. For the Pirates, Jordan Warren was ejected from the game.