The Kitchener Dutchmen tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Stratford Cullitons held on for a 3-1 victory.

Stratford took a 3-0 lead during the second period, only to have Kitchener storm back on a Jordan Delaurier goal 15:55 into the third period to pull to two goals down.

After the loss made the series score 3-1 in the best of seven series, the Dutchmen face elimination next time out.

The Cullitons got the win on the strength of a great game by Justin Graham, who had two goals and one assist. Graham scored the first of his two goals short handed at 4:33 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Stratford. Stratford played down a man on Jared Nash's goalie interference. Graham's next tally short handed made the score 3-0 Stratford with 11:11 left in the second period. The Cullitons had gained a power play chance when Kyle Ellis was whistled for cross checking. Deven Kropf picked up the assist.

Stratford excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in six chances. The Cullitons' offense rang up 42 shots on Kitchener's net.

Joe Leahy also scored for Stratford. Other players who recorded assists for Stratford were Trevor Sauder, who had one.

In addition, Kitchener received assists from Keegan Calder and Adam Kawalec, who contributed one each.

Nicholas Caldwell rejected 26 shots on goal for Stratford. The Cullitons incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. The Dutchmen's Jackson McIntosh stopped 39 shots out of the 42 that he faced. Kitchener incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.