In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Kitchener Dutchmen escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Brantford 99ers.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Jason Willms's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

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

Connor Cole had a great game for the Dutchmen, netting two goals. Cole's tallies came at 8:42 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Kitchener and 10:39 into the first to make the score 2-1 Kitchener.

Kitchener's penalty kill excelled, as the Dutchmen gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

Kitchener forced Brantford goalie Tristan Lewis to work between the pipes, taking 47 shots.

Kitchener also got a goal from Zack Hedley as well. Other players who recorded assists for Kitchener were Austin Gaboury, who had one and Ryan Migliaccio and Adam Kawalec, who each chipped in two.

The 99ers kept the Dutchmen's goalie busy throughout the game, and Cossimo Lazzarino made 29 saves on 31 shots.

Brantford was helped by Isaac Nurse, who had one goal. Nurse scored 9:02 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Jonathan Pace provided the assist. Christian Polillo also scored for Brantford. More assists for Brantford came via Guy Polillo, Kyle Walker, and Brandon Scanlin, who contributed one each.

Kitchener incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. For the Dutchmen, Migliaccio was ejected from the game. Lewis rejected 43 shots on goal for the 99ers. Brantford incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.