The New Hamburg Firebirds' Kory Nowak scored 9:54 into overtime to beat the Aylmer Spitfires, 4-3 (OT).

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

The Firebirds were sparked by Nowak, who grabbed one goal and one assist.

New Hamburg's offense efficiently hummed along to the tune of 48 shots put on Aylmer's net. The Firebirds' penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as New Hamburg finished with 14 penalty minutes. The leading offender was Taylor Wood, who totaled four minutes in penalty time with two minors.

Sam Murray also scored for New Hamburg. Other players who recorded assists for New Hamburg were Blake Jordan, who had one.

New Hamburg got a goal from Murray as well. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from.

The Spitfires were helped by Rhys Thornton, who racked up one goal and one assist. Thornton scored on the power play 15:23 into the third period to make the score 3-3. Aylmer earned a power play opportunity when Jay DAguilar was put in the box for cross checking. Coy Kulich provided the assist. Aylmer also got points from Todd Laurindo, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Curtis Roloson also scored for Aylmer. Other players who recorded assists for Aylmer were Mitch Roloson, Adam Brisson, and Curtis Maracle, who contributed one each.

Aylmer additionally got points from. Aylmer got a goal from Roloson as well. In addition, Aylmer received assists from.

Chad Nelson turned away 26 pucks between the pipes for the Firebirds. New Hamburg registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Brian Valentine made 44 saves for the Spitfires on 48 shots. Aylmer incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.

The Spitfires registered two goals on seven power play opportunities.