The Walkerton Hawks survived a determined comeback attempt by the Wingham Ironmen on the way to a 4-3 win.

Walkerton made the score 4-2 on a goal by Calvin Penney at 10:35 in the third period, and Wingham got as close as 4-3 when Justin Jacklin scored 15:01 into the third period.

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

Walkerton got the win thanks to a great game by Drew Davidson, who had two goals and one assist. Davidson scored the first of his two goals at 24 seconds into the third period to make the score 2-2. Jordan Turcotte assisted on the tally. Davidson's next tally made the score 3-2 Walkerton with 15:57 left in the third period. Ryan Hamelin picked up the assist.

The Hawks' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Wingham power plays. The Ironmen were unable to stop Walkerton from sending pucks towards the net, and the Hawks eventually piled up 38 shots on goal.

Walkerton also got a goal from Joel Bowman as well. Other players who recorded assists for Walkerton were Brandon Lamothe, who had one.

Wingham stifled Walkerton's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Ironmen's offense rang up 36 shots on the Hawks' net.

Wingham was helped by Josh Perdue, who tallied one goal. Perdue scored 17:42 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Wingham. Aaron Armstrong also scored for Wingham. In addition, Wingham received assists from Keaton Willis and Jamie Huber, who contributed one a piece.

Walkerton's Jake Ireland stopped 33 shots out of the 36 that he faced. The Hawks incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Ben Nelson made 34 saves for the Ironmen on 38 shots. Wingham incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.