The Newmarket Hurricanes tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Whitby Fury held on for a 2-1 victory.

A goal by Taylor Best put Whitby up 2-0 in the second period, but Newmarket pulled to within one on Travis Dermott's tally 6:05 into the third period.

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

The Hurricanes were stymied by Whitby netminder Tyler Feaver, who stopped 25 shots during the victory. The solid play of Feaver will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 2.25.

The Fury were paced by Best, who racked up one goal and one assist. Best scored on the power play 9:27 into the second period to make the score Whitby. Whitby earned a power play opportunity when Dermott was put in the box for holding. Greg Milner picked up the assist.

Whitby also got points from Henry Thompson, who also had one goal and one assist. In addition, Whitby received assists from Matt Eddy, who had one.

Other players who recorded assists for Newmarket were Kyler Nixon and Daniel Leavens, who contributed one a piece.

The Fury incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Matthew Wintjes recorded 19 saves for Newmarket. The Hurricanes incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.