The Niagara Falls Canucks gutted out a close 5-3 win against the St. Catharines Falcons.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Peter Falivena's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Niagara Falls was led by Falivena, who had one goal and one assist. Falivena scored 15:35 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Niagara Falls. Austin Bottrell assisted on the tally.

The Canucks stifled St. Catharines' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Niagara Falls' offense rang up 38 shots on the Falcons' net.

Niagara Falls also got points from Zack Lansfield, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Matthew Marsden, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Niagara Falls included Patrick McCabe and Thomas Flack, who each put in one. More assists for Niagara Falls came via Taggart Ledyard, Frank Pucci, Sean Farquharson, Tanner Allen, and Matthew Baldinelli, who contributed one each.

St. Catharines forced the Canucks goalie Adam Dentico to work between the pipes, taking 39 shots. The Falcons' defense was uncharacteristically lax during the game. St. Catharines averages 2.2 goals allowed per game. The Falcons could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.

St. Catharines was helped by Nicholas Dozzi, who registered one goal. Dozzi scored short handed 5:44 into the second period to make the score 2-1 St. Catharines. The Falcons were on a disadvantage when Brandon Vuic went off the ice for roughing after whistle. Jake Evans picked up the assist. St. Catharines also had goals scored by Justin Felker and Ty Learn, who scored one goal each. In addition, St. Catharines received assists from Cole Langan, James Guest, and Tyler Jackson, who each chipped in one.

Niagara Falls' Dentico stopped 36 shots out of the 39 that he faced. The Canucks incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Joel Horodziejczyk rejected 33 shots on goal for St. Catharines. The Falcons registered zero goals on five power play opportunities.