The Welland Jr. Canadians relied on the scoring touch of Jack Fitzgerald, who netted four goals, to beat the Niagara Falls Canucks, 8-3.

Fitzgerald's first goal came 19:21 into the first period. He then added goals at 1:49 into the second, at 7:52 into the second, and at 19:13 into the second.

Welland pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 14 penalty minutes.

The Jr. Canadians forced Niagara Falls' goaltenders to work in net, ripping 32 shots and forcing 24 saves. Dylan Pietrangelo made 18 stops and Joseph Murdaca made six. Welland's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Niagara Falls power plays. The Jr. Canadians found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. Welland averages 3.8 goals per game.

Others who scored for Welland included Damien Lalonde, who had two and Matt Cuglietta and Matt Martin, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Welland were Kris Melna, Josh Allan, and Tyler Stranges, who contributed one each and Brayden Stortz, Nathan MacDuff, Konner Roskovich, and JC Thivierge, who each chipped in two.

The Canucks' offense rang up 36 shots on the Jr. Canadians' net. The defensemen of Niagara Falls were also effective in Welland's zone, and came away with two goals.

The Canucks were helped by Trevor Simonick, who racked up one goal. Simonick scored 11:55 into the second period to make the score 4-3 Welland. Frank Pucci picked up the assist. Niagara Falls also had goals scored by Sean Farquharson and Zack Lansfield, who each put in one. More assists for Niagara Falls came via Nigel Slade, who had two and Austin Wright and Colton Anstey, who contributed one each.

Chris Janzen rejected 33 shots on goal for the Jr. Canadians. Welland registered two goals on two power play opportunities. The Jr. Canadians ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Mitch Reid was ejected from the game. Niagara Falls incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.