The Port Colborne Pirates tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the St. Catharines Falcons held on for a 5-4 victory.

St. Catharines took a 5-3 lead during the third period, only to have Port Colborne storm back on a Jordan Warren goal 14:57 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

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

St. Catharines was led by Ben Dubois, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Dubois scored 8:49 into the third period to make the score St. Catharines. Curtis Longland assisted on the tally.

The Falcons excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. St. Catharines' offense rang up 41 shots on the Pirates' net. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

St. Catharines additionally got points from Matt Melo, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points and Luke Karaim, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Andrew Darrigo also scored for St. Catharines. Other players who recorded assists for St. Catharines were Riley Jakobschuk, who had two and Nick Hovanessian, who had three.

Port Colborne's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven St. Catharines power plays. The Pirates kept the Falcons' goalie busy throughout the game, and Brad Pope made 34 saves on 38 shots.

Port Colborne also got a goal from Dima Lavrenov as well. More assists for Port Colborne came via Michael Sharp, who had two and Zoran Popel, Charlie Izaguirre, and Drake Heart, who each chipped in one.

St. Catharines incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Port Colborne's Real Cormier stopped 36 shots out of the 41 that he faced. The Pirates incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.