The Waterloo Siskins tried to dig themselves out of a four-goal hole, but the Stratford Cullitons held on for a 4-3 victory.

A goal by Chett Binning put Stratford up 4-0 in the third period, but Waterloo pulled to within one on Eric Fischer's tally 18:43 into the third period.

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

Stratford forced the Siskins goalie PJ Bridges to work between the pipes, taking 41 shots. The Cullitons were often in penalty trouble, as it ended with eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time.

Stratford was led by Mike Pleon, who tallied one goal and one assist. Pleon scored on the power play 19:28 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Stratford. The Cullitons had taken the advantage when Waterloo's Connor Voigt got sent off for tripping. Ray Huether provided the assist. Stratford also got points from Pat Looby, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Brad McClure also scored for Stratford. More assists for Stratford came via Steven Dol, who had one and Pat Clifford, who had two.

The Siskins were forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as they racked up 23 penalty minutes.

Waterloo also got a goal from Kyle Platzer as well. In addition, Waterloo received assists from Sean Fennell, who had two and Adam Campagnolo, Evan Buehler, and Mike Van Ooteghem, who contributed one a piece.

Jesse Raymond made 27 saves for Stratford on 30 shots. The Cullitons registered two goals on seven power play opportunities. Stratford ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Brock Reynolds was ejected from the game. Bridges recorded 37 saves for Waterloo. The Siskins registered two goals on eight power play opportunities. For Waterloo, Jacob Ariss was ejected from the game.