The Simcoe Storm pulled out a 3-2 (OT) overtime victory over the Norwich Merchants on a clutch goal by Merritt Crumback.

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

Crumback was all over the ice for the Storm, as he registered two goals in the win. Crumback's tallies came at 8:16 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Simcoe and 16:07 into the fifth to make the score 3-2 Simcoe.

The referees were busy during the game, as 15 penalties were assessed during the course of the contest.

Simcoe's offense efficiently hummed along to the tune of 63 shots put on Norwich's net. The Storm were forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as they racked up 14 penalty minutes. The leading offender was Josh Bint, who totaled four minutes in penalty time with two minors.

The Merchants could not produce up to they normal offensive output. Norwich puts an average of four pucks into the net per game. The Merchants kept Simcoe's goalie busy throughout the game, and Alex Gegeny made 55 saves on 57 shots. Norwich had trouble staying out of the sin bin throughout the game as it finished the game with 26 penalty minutes for eight opposing power plays. The leading offender was Bryan Phillips, who totaled 12 minutes in penalty time with one minor and one misconduct.

Simcoe got a goal from Jordan Paton as well. In addition, Simcoe received assists from Corey Bethune, Braden Roberts, and Kennan Hall, who contributed one each.

The Merchants were led by Nick Burdett, who racked up one goal and one assist. Burdett scored 19:36 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Jon Percival provided the assist. Tom Brady also scored for Norwich. Other players who recorded assists for Norwich were Jake Jefferies, who had one.

Norwich got a goal from Brady as well. In addition, Norwich received assists from.

Paton also scored for Simcoe. Other players who recorded assists for Simcoe were.

Matt McGonigle made 60 saves for Norwich on 63 shots. The Merchants registered one goal on four power play opportunities.