Brandon Christopher had one goal and three assists to lead the Ayr Centennials to an 8-1 victory over the Norfolk Rebels.

Christopher beat Jason Miller with a shot 8:19 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Ayr. Mike Wilkins provided the assist. Christopher dished an assist on Brett Gibson's goal that made the score 3-0 Ayr at 17:14 into the first period. He then added assists on Gibson's goal at 19:24 into the second and on Adam Fisher's goal at 31 seconds into the third.

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

The Centennials' penalty kill excelled, as Ayr gave up one goal despite allowing nine power plays.

The Centennials forced Norfolk's goalies to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, getting 37 shots and forcing 29 saves. Miller made 21 stops and Alex Tipping made eight. Ayr cashed in on power play opportunities, scoring two goals on three chances.

Ayr additionally got points from Fisher, who also racked up one goal and one assist, Jimmy Roy, who also tallied two goals and one assist, Gibson, who also registered two goals and one assist, and Brady Wheelans, who also had one goal and two assists. Connor McLeod also scored for Ayr. More assists for Ayr came via Andrew Richard and Declan Kaster, who contributed one a piece and Dustin Scheer and Logan Beechey, who each chipped in two.

The Rebels were led by Kurtis Pettitt, who scored the team's only goal. Pettitt scored on the power play 4:50 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Ayr. Norfolk had taken the advantage when the Centennials' Nick Hirs got sent off for roughing. Drew Moore picked up the assist.

Mitch Figueirdo recorded 20 saves for Ayr. The Centennials incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. The Rebels incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.