The Welland Jr. Canadians and the Fort Erie Meteors were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Welland made the most of its opportunities and won, 3-2.

Neither team gained more than a one-goal lead, and Tyler Stranges's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

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

Welland was led by Stranges, who registered one goal. Stranges scored 19:40 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Welland. Brayden Stortz provided the assist.

The Jr. Canadians forced Fort Erie goalie Liam Conway to work between the pipes, taking 38 shots.

Welland additionally got points from Stortz, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Thomas Flack also scored for Welland. In addition, Welland received assists from Jack Fitzgerald, Nathan MacDuff, Josh Allan, and Gabe Ruggi, who contributed one each.

The Meteors excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances.

Fort Erie was helped by Dakota Miskolczi, who had one goal. Miskolczi scored 4:27 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Holden Garlent assisted on the tally. Fort Erie also got a goal from Riley Mocha as well. More assists for Fort Erie came via Mackenzie Passero, Declan Conway, and Richard DeMarco, who each chipped in one.

Hunter Johnson recorded 18 saves for Welland. The Jr. Canadians ended with seven minutes in penalty time with one minor and one major. Welland ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Max Cipriano was ejected from the game. Liam Conway made 35 saves for the Meteors on 38 shots. Fort Erie incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.