The Waterloo Siskins survived a determined comeback attempt by the Stratford Cullitons on the way to a 5-3 win.

Waterloo made the score 5-2 on a goal by Conner Jean at 19:18 in the second period, and Stratford got as close as 5-3 when Tyson Baker scored 1:38 into the third period.

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

Waterloo kept the Cullitons' goalie busy throughout the game, and Alexander Brooks-Potts made 33 saves on 38 shots.

The Siskins were led by Gary Mantz, who registered three goals. Waterloo additionally got points from Jean, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Nate Schnarr, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Waterloo were Joshua Slegers, who had two and Andrew Lane, Lucas Goodman, and Anthony Pullicino, who each chipped in one.

Stratford put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Waterloo to score on any of its three power plays. The Cullitons forced the Siskins goalie Mitchell Datz to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots.

Stratford also got points from Zach Van Louwe, who also had one goal and one assist. Stratford also got a goal from Jack Scanlan as well. In addition, Stratford received assists from Joe Leahy, who had one and Zander Pryor and Justin Graham, who each chipped in two.

Mitchell Datz made 40 saves for Waterloo on 43 shots. The Siskins incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Stratford incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. For the Cullitons, Deven Kropf was ejected from the game.