A stellar performance between the pipes by Jesse Raymond helped the Stratford Cullitons defeat the Elmira Sugar Kings, 4-1.

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

The Cullitons were paced by Ray Huether, who had one goal. Huether scored on the power play 16:08 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Stratford. Stratford had gotten the advantage when Elmira's Clayton Greer was sent off for slashing. Pat Clifford assisted on the tally.

The Cullitons' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Elmira power plays.

Stratford also got points from Ryan Watson, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Brad McClure, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Stratford also got a goal from Myles Melchers as well. In addition, Stratford received assists from Mike Pleon, who had two and Tyler Marchand and Andrew Barton, who contributed one a piece.

The Sugar Kings' offense rang up 33 shots on Stratford's net. Elmira's penalty kill unit could not stop the Cullitons' power play, which converted on three of five opportunities.

The Sugar Kings were led by Riley Sonnenburg, who scored the team's only goal. Sonnenburg scored 3:57 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Elmira. Justin Cooke picked up the assist.

Raymond rejected 32 shots on goal for Stratford. The Cullitons incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Nick Horrigan recorded 22 saves for Elmira. The Sugar Kings incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.