In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Kincardine Bulldogs escaped with a 5-3 victory over the Mitchell Hawks.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Cody Britton at 4:02 of the second period.

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

The Bulldogs got the win with help from a great game by Britton, who had two goals and one assist.

Kincardine's offense rang up 37 shots on Mitchell's net.

Kincardine additionally got points from Brett Catto, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Kincardine also had goals scored by Gerritt Satosek and Jamie Miller, who scored one goal each. In addition, Kincardine received assists from Chad Simpson, Dalton Hnatko, Paul Lamont, and Lucas Johnson, who each chipped in one and Tanner Simpson and Sam Feagan, who contributed two a piece.

The Bulldogs were unable to stop the Hawks from sending pucks towards the net, and Mitchell eventually piled up 42 shots on goal.

The Hawks were helped by Blake Pickering, who finished with one goal. Pickering scored on the power play 4:53 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Kincardine. Mitchell had gained a power play chance when Miller was whistled for checking from behind. Matt Van DeWalle picked up the assist. Others who scored for Mitchell included Ethen Adair and Jeff Byatt, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Mitchell were Brent Rae, Tyler Pauli, and Ryan Sykes, who each chipped in one.

Mitch Campbell made 39 saves for Kincardine on 42 shots. The Bulldogs incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. For Kincardine, Miller and Simpson were ejected from the contest. Tyler MacGregor recorded 32 saves for the Hawks. Mitchell incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Hawks ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Zach Goodhew was ejected from the game.