The Whitby Dunlops relied on the sparkling performance of Ryan Gibb in net to grab a 3-1 win against the Brantford Blast.

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

The Dunlops' penalty kill excelled, as Whitby gave up zero goals despite allowing seven power plays.

The Dunlops were sparked by Scott Freeman, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Freeman scored on the power play 3:18 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Whitby. Whitby earned a power play opportunity when Bryan Hamm was put in the box for hooking. Patrick Jobb assisted on the tally.

The Dunlops stifled Brantford's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Whitby additionally got points from Chris Purves, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Whitby also got a goal from Steve Birch as well. Other players who recorded assists for Whitby were Peter MacKellar, who had one and John Scrymgeour, who had two.

The Blast were led by Cam Sault, who scored the team's only goal. Sault scored 5:17 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Brantford. Chad Spurr picked up the assist.

Whitby's Gibb stopped 25 shots out of the 26 that he faced. The Dunlops incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Brett Leggat made 23 saves for Brantford on 26 shots. The Blast incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.