A stellar performance between the pipes by Jonathon D Ilario helped the St. Catharines Falcons defeat the Thorold Blackhawks, 4-1.

The win by St. Catharines clinched the best of seven series at 4-2.

The Falcons pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 27 penalty minutes.

St. Catharines was led by Luke Karaim, who tallied one goal. Karaim scored on the power play 2:06 into the third period to make the score 2-1 St. Catharines. Aaron Taylor assisted on the tally.

The Falcons forced Thorold goalie Vinny Merante to work between the pipes, taking 38 shots. St. Catharines managed to hold the Blackhawks' power play largely in check, allowing only one goal while on the disadvantage.

St. Catharines additionally got points from Yanni Rallis, who also racked up one goal and two assists. Jesse Miller also scored for St. Catharines. In addition, St. Catharines received assists from Jimmy Sheehan, who had one and Jordan Bailey, who had two.

Penalties took their toll on Thorold, as its penalty kill unit let in three power play goals.

The Blackhawks were led by Dan Chudobiak, who scored the team's only goal. Chudobiak scored on the power play 10:22 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Thorold. Thorold had gained a power play chance when Julian Luciani was whistled for boarding. Kevin Millejours picked up the assist.

D Ilario recorded 28 saves for the Falcons. For St. Catharines, Tyler Jackson was ejected from the game. Merante rejected 34 shots on goal for the Blackhawks. Thorold incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. The Blackhawks ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Joel Forestell was ejected from the game.