The Cambridge Winter Hawks and the Stratford Cullitons were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Cambridge made the most of its opportunities and won, 4-2.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Mitch Klie secured the win for the Winter Hawks with a goal in the third period.

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

The Winter Hawks were led by Klie, who registered one goal. Klie scored 19:36 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Cambridge. Chris Taylor provided the assist.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 10:11 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

Cambridge's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Stratford power plays. The Winter Hawks' offense rang up 43 shots on Stratford's net.

Cambridge also got points from Christian Barnard, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Cody Gratton also scored for Cambridge. In addition, Cambridge received assists from Andrew Coupland, who had two and Kyle Locke, Lawrence Pagnan, and Todd Bannermon, who contributed one a piece.

The Cullitons stifled Cambridge's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Stratford kept the Winter Hawks' goalie busy throughout the game, and Lucas Machalski made 30 saves on 32 shots.

The Cullitons were helped by Trevor MacDonald, who finished with one goal. MacDonald scored 6:39 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Stratford. Ryan Watson picked up the assist. Stratford also got a goal from Mitch Brooks as well. More assists for Stratford came via Jordan Currie and Jake Ryan, who each chipped in one.

Cambridge totaled 28 minutes in penalty time with four minors and two majors and went 0-for-5 on the power play. For the Winter Hawks, Tyler Snyder and Aaron Duggan were ejected from the contest. Stratford's Nick Caldwell stopped 39 shots out of the 42 that he faced. The Cullitons ended with 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors and two majors. Team's Jake Pleon and Trevor Sauder were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.