The Stratford Cullitons gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Cambridge Winter Hawks.

Stratford gained the winning advantage on a goal by Joe Leahy 17:12 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

The Cullitons were sparked by Leahy, who had one goal.

Stratford forced Cambridge goalie Owen Savory to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots. The defensemen of the Cullitons were also effective in the Winter Hawks' zone, and came away with two goals.

Stratford also had goals scored by Deven Kropf and Josh Miller, who scored one goal each. In addition, Stratford received assists from Hayden Broomhead, who had two and Cooper Stahl, Anthony Kotsovos, Jared Nash, and Jack Scanlan, who contributed one each.

Cambridge was helped by Mathieu Mercier, who tallied one goal. Mercier scored on the power play 18:20 into the second period to make the score 2-2. The Winter Hawks had gained a power play chance when Jack Wieringa was whistled for roughing. Mitch Montgomery picked up the assist. Cambridge additionally got points from Robert Proner, who also registered one goal and one assist. More assists for Cambridge came via Kyle Heitzner, who had one.

Carson Poulin recorded 23 saves for Stratford. The Cullitons incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Cambridge's Savory stopped 37 shots out of the 40 that he faced. The Winter Hawks incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.