The LaSalle Vipers survived a determined comeback attempt by the Sarnia Legionnaires on the way to a 5-4 win.

A goal by Nathan Veres put LaSalle up 5-3 in the third period, but Sarnia pulled to within one on Nathan Mater's tally 19:25 into the third period.

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

In the losing effort, the Legionnaires were led by Mater, who had two goals. Mater scored the first of his two goals at 5:41 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Sarnia. Riley Babkirk picked up the assist. Mater's next tally made the score 5-4 LaSalle with 35 seconds left in the third period. Sarnia had gained a power play chance when Chris Pignanelli was whistled for delay of game. Cameron Clarke provided the assist.

The Legionnaires were unable to stop LaSalle from sending pucks towards the net, and the Vipers eventually piled up 36 shots on goal.

LaSalle also got points from Brendan Harrogate, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. LaSalle also had goals scored by Mark Manchurek and Daniel Beaudoin, who scored one goal each. In addition, LaSalle received assists from Nathan Savage, who had two and Nicolas Crescenzi, Korey Morgan, Brett Langlois, Tyler Russell, Graham Pickard, Brett Primeau, and Dalton Langlois, who each chipped in one.

Sarnia's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four LaSalle power plays. The Legionnaires forced LaSalle goalie Paolo Battisti to work between the pipes, taking 39 shots.

Sarnia additionally got points from Davis Boyer, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Brandon Layman also scored for Sarnia. More assists for Sarnia came via Jay Clarke, Cody Trowell, and Ryan Trottier, who contributed one each.

The Vipers' Battisti stopped 35 shots out of the 39 that he faced. LaSalle incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Andrew Masters made 31 saves for Sarnia on 36 shots. The Legionnaires incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.