The Stayner Siskins gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Schomberg Cougars.

Neither team gained more than a one-goal lead, and Mike Mullay's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

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

The Siskins were paced by Mullay, who had one goal and one assist. Mullay scored on the power play 1:48 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Stayner. Stayner earned a power play opportunity when Colton Wood was put in the box for hooking. James Mense-Dietrich provided the assist.

The Siskins' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Schomberg power plays. Stayner forced Schomberg goalie Taylor Ewart to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots.

Stayner also got points from Justin Reid, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Mense-Dietrich, who also tallied one goal and one assist.

The Cougars' offense rang up 42 shots on the Siskins' net.

Schomberg was helped by Blake Culley, who racked up one goal. Culley scored 1:54 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Mike Darnowski assisted on the tally. Schomberg also got a goal from Tyler Simmons as well. More assists for Schomberg came via Christian Muenz and Bobby Quinn, who each chipped in one.

Taylor Trace made 40 saves for Stayner on 42 shots. The Siskins incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Ewart recorded 37 saves for the Cougars. Schomberg incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.