The Stratford Cullitons pulled out a 5-4 (OT) overtime victory over the Elmira Sugar Kings on a clutch goal by Justin Graham.

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

Elmira could not complete its climb out of a four-goal hole. The Cullitons made the score 4-0 on a power play goal by Zander Pryor at 16:01 in the first period. The Sugar Kings got to within 4-3 on a power play goal by Mackenzie MacSorley at 10:26 in the third period.

Stratford was paced by Graham, who had one goal and one assist. Graham scored 10:25 into overtime to make the score 5-4 Stratford. Hayden Broomhead assisted on the tally.

The Cullitons kept Elmira's goalie busy throughout the game, and Jonathan Reinhart made 36 saves on 41 shots.

Stratford additionally got points from Jared Nash, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Zach Van Louwe also scored for Stratford. Other players who recorded assists for Stratford were Jack Scanlan, who had three and Joe Leahy and Cooper Stahl, who each chipped in one.

The Sugar Kings forced Stratford goalie Alexander Brooks-Potts to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots.

Elmira also got points from Ty Biles, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Elmira also got a goal from Kyle Soper as well. More assists for Elmira came via Rob Kohli, Ethan Skinner, and Kevin Fitzpatrick, who contributed one each.

Brooks-Potts rejected 31 shots on goal for the Cullitons. Stratford incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Elmira incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. For the Sugar Kings, Ryan Maksymyk was ejected from the game.