The Niagara Falls Canucks gutted out a close 5-4 win against the Strathroy Rockets.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Cole Vinnai at 15:11 of the third period.

Niagara Falls' penalty kill excelled, as the Canucks gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

Strathroy was unable to stop Niagara Falls from sending pucks towards the net, and the Canucks eventually piled up 42 shots on goal. Team could not crack the Rockets' penalty kill and was held to two power play goals while having nine opportunities to play with the man advantage.

Niagara Falls was led by Marcus Michalski, who finished with one goal and two assists. Michalski scored on the power play 7:41 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Niagara Falls. A high sticking penalty on Stuart King had put the Canucks on the power play. Brad Kri provided the assist. Niagara Falls additionally got points from Cam Stewart, who also had one goal and one assist and Michael Christou, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Mitch McIntosh also scored for Niagara Falls. More assists for Niagara Falls came via Drew Berkel, Frank Nemeth, Vito Scaringi, and Darren Young, who contributed one a piece.

Strathroy forced Niagara Falls goalie Hunter Johnson to work between the pipes, taking 38 shots.

The Rockets were led by Tyler Duarte, who registered one goal and two assists. Duarte scored 12:49 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Niagara Falls. Ryan Field picked up the assist. Strathroy also got points from Field, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Chase Thornton, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Strathroy also got a goal from Nick Boyer as well. In addition, Strathroy received assists from Kurtis Sander, who had one and Blake O`Neill, who had two.

Hunter Johnson made 34 saves for the Canucks on 38 shots. Niagara Falls incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Dalen Kuchmey rejected 37 shots on goal for Strathroy. The Rockets incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors. Strathroy ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Tyler Coleman was ejected from the game.