The Walkerton Hawks tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Kincardine Bulldogs would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-2.

Kincardine made the score 3-1 on a goal by Derrick Bernath at 17:15 in the second period, and Walkerton got as close as 3-2 when Braden Boley scored 8:25 into the third period.

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

Kincardine's penalty kill excelled, as the Bulldogs gave up one goal despite allowing seven power plays.

Others who scored for Kincardine included Eric Langridge and Gerrit Satosek, who each put in one. In addition, Kincardine received assists from Tyler Fregona, who had two and Dalton Hnatko, Shawn Rooke, Brady Richards, and Keegan Angel, who each chipped in one.

The Hawks were helped by Lauchlin Elder, who tallied one goal. Elder scored on the power play 5:35 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Kincardine. Walkerton had gotten the advantage when Kincardine's Bernath was sent off for interference. Josh Deyell provided the assist. Other players who recorded assists for Walkerton were Ryan Hamelin and Spencer Elder, who contributed one each.

The Bulldogs' Jacob Hutchings stopped 19 shots out of the 21 that he faced. Kincardine incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Nick Redman recorded 26 saves for the Hawks. Walkerton incurred 36 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.