The Hagersville Hawks tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Grimsby Peach Kings held on for a 5-3 victory.

A goal by Brennan Smith put Grimsby up 5-2 in the third period, but Hagersville pulled to within two on Matt Rimac's tally 10:03 into the third period.

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

Christian Gaetano had one goal and two assists to lead Grimsby. Gaetano scored 13:55 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Grimsby. Curtis Jacques provided the assist.

Grimsby additionally got points from Andrew McMurtrie, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Grimsby also had goals scored by Eric Cerino and Nicholas Purves, who scored one goal each. In addition, Grimsby received assists from Aidan McCreadie, Jeromy Hopkins, Joshua Kozielski, Garnet McComber, Matthew Jambrosich, and Curtis Conrad, who contributed one each.

The Hawks stifled the Peach Kings' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Hagersville kept Grimsby's goalie busy throughout the game, and Marcus Hlywka made 45 saves on 48 shots.

More assists for Hagersville came via Kyle Phibbs, who had two and Horia Lucaciu, Nick Sherwood, Dan Pugliese, and Jacob Solomon, who each chipped in one.

The Peach Kings incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Horia Lucaciu made 21 saves for the Hawks on 26 shots. Hagersville incurred 30 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Hawks ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Pugliese was ejected from the game.