Eric Stewardson stood on his head and made 28 saves to lead the Blenheim Blades to a 5-1 victory over the Mooretown Flags.

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

The Blades were paced by Conner Annett, who finished with one goal. Annett scored on the power play 13:19 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Blenheim. Blenheim had taken the advantage when Mooretown's Sam Jasmin got sent off for slashing. Ben Pataki APM assisted on the tally.

The Blades' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Mooretown power plays.

Blenheim additionally got points from Tyler Boughner, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points and Zack Horvath, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Blenheim included Kirk McKillop and Derek Muzzatti, who scored one goal each. More assists for Blenheim came via Dylan Muzzatti and Justin Rossignol, who contributed one a piece.

The Flags struggled on the penalty kill, allowing Blenheim to score two power play goals on three chances.

Mooretown was led by Adam Hayes, who scored the team's only goal. Hayes scored 19:33 into the first period to make the score 3-1 Blenheim. McGregor Haddon picked up the assist.

The Blades incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Flags' Brandon Johnson stopped 25 shots out of the 30 that he faced. Mooretown incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with three minors.