The Welland Jr. Canadians pulled out a 3-2 (OT) overtime victory over the St. Catharines Falcons on a clutch goal by Max Cipriano.

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

The Jr. Canadians overcame a two-goal deficit to capture the victory. Welland fell behind 2-0 after a goal by St. Catharines' Tyler Hildebrandt at 8:08 in the second period. The Jr. Canadians tied things up at 2-2 on a goal by Steven Farano at 9:33 in the third period.

Welland was led by Cipriano, who registered one goal. Cipriano scored 1:31 into overtime to make the score 3-2 Welland. Bradey Johnson assisted on the tally.

The Jr. Canadians stifled the Falcons' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Welland forced St. Catharines goalie Joel Horodziejczyk to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.

Jack Fitzgerald also scored for Welland. In addition, Welland received assists from Dorian Maye, who had one and Ryan Miotto and Nathan MacDuff, who contributed two each.

The Falcons' offense rang up 32 shots on the Jr. Canadians' net.

St. Catharines was helped by Anthony Postiglione, who finished with one goal. Postiglione scored 1:28 into the second period to make the score 1-0 St. Catharines. Mitchell Webb picked up the assist. Other players who recorded assists for St. Catharines were Cole Langan and Aaron St. Pierre, who each chipped in one.

Chris Janzen made 30 saves for Welland on 32 shots. The Jr. Canadians incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Horodziejczyk recorded 28 saves for the Falcons. St. Catharines incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.