Emmerson Small gave the Cambridge Winter Hawks the lead in the first period, and the Niagara Falls Canucks was never able to catch up in a close game that ended 2-1.

Cambridge took over the lead for good with a goal by Small at 8:15 in the first period. The Winter Hawks had gained a power play chance when Tanner Allen was whistled for slashing. Devin Shell picked up the assist.

Niagara Falls was stymied by Cambridge's netminder Lucas Machalski, who stopped 29 shots during the victory. Machalski certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 3.65 entering the contest.

The Winter Hawks' penalty kill excelled, as Cambridge gave up zero goals despite allowing 10 power plays.

The Winter Hawks stifled the Canucks' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Cambridge forced Niagara Falls goalie Dylan Pietrangelo to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots. The Winter Hawks could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 42 minutes in penalties during the game.

Cambridge was helped by Quinn Diamond, who grabbed one goal. Diamond scored 17:00 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Cambridge. Lucas Zitmanis assisted on the tally. Other players who recorded assists for Cambridge were Riley MacRae and Jake Moggy, who each chipped in one.

The Canucks were held below their usual level of production. Niagara Falls averages 3.5 goals per game.

The Canucks were led by Nigel Slade, who scored the team's only goal. Slade scored 19:29 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Cambridge. Matthew Thorpe picked up the assist.

The Winter Hawks registered one goal on four power play opportunities. Niagara Falls' Pietrangelo stopped 30 shots out of the 32 that he faced. The Canucks incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors.