The Welland Jr. Canadians came close to giving away a three-goal lead to the Port Colborne Pirates, but did just enough to escape with a 5-3 victory.

Welland led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Jr. Canadians' Jack Fitzgerald's scored on the power play at 8:28 in the second period to put Welland up 3-0.

The Jr. Canadians got the win on the strength of a great game by Eric Cerino, who had one goal and two assists. Cerino scored 2:19 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Welland. Brayden Stortz provided the assist.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 7:32 into the third period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

Welland was often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and one major for 27 minutes in penalty time. The Jr. Canadians surpassed its season average of 15.0 penalty minutes per game. Port Colborne was unable to stop Welland from sending pucks towards the net, and the Jr. Canadians eventually piled up 32 shots on goal.

Welland also got points from Stortz, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Adam Mataya also scored for Welland. In addition, Welland received assists from Christian DiFonzo, who had two and Matt Cuglietta, Liam Conway, and Matthew Mateljan, who each chipped in one.

The Pirates' offense rang up 32 shots on Welland's net.

Port Colborne was helped by DYLAN BURDICK, who racked up one goal. BURDICK scored 11:59 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Welland. Mack Steele assisted on the tally. Port Colborne additionally got points from Charlie Izaguirre, who also tallied one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Port Colborne also got a goal from James Mewse-Detrich as well. Other players who recorded assists for Port Colborne were Cody Mintz, who had two and Cody Levasseur and Brock Ackerman, who contributed one a piece.

Liam Conway made 29 saves for the Jr. Canadians on 32 shots. Welland registered one goal on two power play opportunities. The Jr. Canadians ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Christian Lea was ejected from the game. Mitchell Knight rejected 27 shots on goal for the Pirates. Port Colborne totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 2-for-5 on the power play. For the Pirates, Steele was ejected from the game.