The Brantford Golden Eagles tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Kitchener Dutchmen would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-3.

Kitchener made the score 4-2 on a goal by Eric Hammerl at 16:30 in the third period, and Brantford got as close as 4-3 when Dillan Walker scored 19:40 into the third period.

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

Steven Jakiela was all over the ice for Kitchener, as he racked up two goals in the win. Jakiela scored at 2:53 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Kitchener and again while 8:11 into the third to make the score 3-2 Kitchener.

The Dutchmen stifled the Golden Eagles' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

John Divo also scored for Kitchener. In addition, Kitchener received assists from Dan Campbell, who had two and Brandon Lesway, David Gallo, and Harrison Scarfonne, who contributed one a piece.

Brantford put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Kitchener to score on any of its nine power plays. The Golden Eagles could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 24 minutes in penalties during the game.

Brantford also got a goal from Tanner Rutland as well. Other players who recorded assists for Brantford were Brandon Montour, who had one.

Mario Duscio rejected 23 shots on goal for the Dutchmen. Kitchener incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Bryce O Hagan made 25 saves for Brantford on 29 shots. The Golden Eagles registered zero goals on five power play opportunities.