Joe Leahy gave the Stratford Cullitons the lead in the first period, and the Waterloo Siskins was never able to catch up in a close game that ended 5-3.

Stratford took over the lead for good with a goal by Leahy at 15:00 in the first period. A hooking penalty on Ryan Sparkes (APM) had put the Cullitons on the power play. Deven Kropf picked up the assist.

Stratford pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 12 penalty minutes.

The Cullitons were paced by Kropf, who racked up one goal and one assist. Kropf scored 14:06 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Stratford. Hayden Broomhead assisted on the tally.

Stratford forced Siskins' goalies to work in net, finishing with 40 shots and forcing 35 saves. Evgeny Kiselev made 27 stops and Bailey DeGasperis made eight.

Others who scored for Stratford included Mitch Brooks, Patrick McKelvie, and Brook Hiddink, who scored one goal each. In addition, Stratford received assists from Justin Graham, who had two and Jared Nash, Shane O Brien, Jake Pleon, Trevor Sauder, and Nathan Templeman, who contributed one each.

Waterloo was helped by Anthony Guido, who had one goal. Guido scored 5:36 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Stratford. Matt Romund picked up the assist. Waterloo also had goals scored by Tommy Rietema and Kyle Betts, who each put in one. More assists for Waterloo came via Nick Hirst, who had two and Christian Mroczkowski and Matt Doty, who each chipped in one.

Nicholas Caldwell recorded 25 saves for the Cullitons. Stratford registered two goals on six power play opportunities. The Siskins incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.