The Listowel Cyclones tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Waterloo Siskins held on for a 2-1 victory.

A goal by Austin Bentley put Waterloo up 2-0 in the second period, but Listowel pulled to within one on Holdyn Lansink's tally 3:59 into the third period.

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

Waterloo was led by goalie Mitchell Datz, who finished with 27 saves while allowing one goal. Despite the solid performance, Datz will actually see his goals against average rise, as it stood at 1.0 entering the contest.

The Cyclones' power play was ineffective against the Siskins' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Waterloo's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Listowel power plays. The Siskins forced Listowel goalie Tyler Fassl to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots.

Waterloo also got a goal from Nate Schnarr as well. In addition, Waterloo received assists from Conner Jean, Nick King, Connor Bodnar, and Owen Kipke, who each chipped in one.

The Cyclones stifled Waterloo's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

More assists for Listowel came via Jakob Lee and Tim Nauta, who contributed one each.

The Siskins incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Fassl recorded 31 saves for Listowel. The Cyclones incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.