Dima Lavrenov scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Port Colborne Pirates held off the challenges of the Niagara Falls Canucks in a tough 2-1 win.

Port Colborne took over the lead for good with a goal by Lavrenov at 5:01 in the first period. The Pirates had taken the advantage when Niagara Falls' Jamie Falavo got sent off for hooking. Nick Schiro provided the assist.

The Canucks' power play was ineffective against Port Colborne's penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

The Pirates were paced by Schiro, who racked up one goal and one assist. Schiro scored 7:33 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Port Colborne. Zach DeConcilys picked up the assist.

Port Colborne excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in eight chances. The Pirates could not produce up to their normal offensive output. Port Colborne puts an average of 4.2 pucks into the net per game. The Pirates' offense rang up 45 shots on Niagara Falls' net.

In addition, Port Colborne received assists from Charlie Izaguirre and James Tyminski, who each chipped in one.

The Canucks' offense operated below their season average. Niagara Falls averages 4.5 goals per game.

The Canucks were led by Cam Stewart, who scored the team's only goal. Stewart scored 13:24 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Port Colborne. Ben O Quinn assisted on the tally.

Real Cormier rejected 24 shots on goal for Port Colborne. The Pirates incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Cody Vinnai recorded 43 saves for Niagara Falls. The Canucks incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.