The Port Hope Panthers gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Gananoque Islanders.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Dalton Lawrence secured the win for Port Hope with a goal in the second period.

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

Port Hope's penalty kill excelled, as the Panthers gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.

Port Hope was led by Lawrence, who registered one goal. Lawrence scored 15:51 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Port Hope. Dan Lagrois picked up the assist.

The Panthers stifled Gananoque's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Port Hope's offense rang up 44 shots on the Islanders' net.

Port Hope additionally got points from Lagrois, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Port Hope also got a goal from Cameron McGill as well. In addition, Port Hope received assists from Cameron Lowery, Matthew Hunt, Jack Vautour, and Shawn Mackie, who contributed one each.

Gananoque was helped by Ryosuke Kabayashi, who racked up one goal. Kabayashi scored short handed 1:07 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Gananoque. The Islanders found themselves down a man on Connor Smith's roughing. Hunter Drew assisted on the tally. Chris Boushy also scored for Gananoque. Other players who recorded assists for Gananoque were Geoff Clemison and Matt Carter, who each chipped in one.

The Panthers' Aaron Young stopped 28 shots out of the 30 that he faced. Port Hope incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Quinn Cota rejected 41 shots on goal for Gananoque. The Islanders incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors.