In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Welland Jr. Canadians escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Thorold Blackhawks.

Neither team gained more than a one-goal lead, and Robbie Lepine's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

The win moved Welland to down 2-1 in the best of seven series.

Lepine had two goals to lead the Jr. Canadians to victory.

Welland put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Thorold to score on any of its three power plays. The Blackhawks were unable to stop the Jr. Canadians from sending pucks towards the net, and Welland eventually piled up 53 shots on goal.

Welland also got a goal from Aaron Beally as well. Other players who recorded assists for Welland were Ryan Migliaccio, who had one and Joe Saracini and Anthony Marra, who contributed two a piece.

Thorold forced the Jr. Canadians goalie Chris McDougall to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.

The Blackhawks were helped by Tanner Pagendam, who racked up one goal. Pagendam scored 1:59 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Thorold. Tanner Hildebrandt assisted on the tally. Greg Cerilli also scored for Thorold. More assists for Thorold came via Colt Kennedy, Robert Bentavegna, and Dan Chudobiak, who each chipped in one.

McDougall recorded 35 saves for Welland. The Jr. Canadians incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Thorold's Evan Buitenhuis stopped 50 shots out of the 53 that he faced. The Blackhawks incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. For Thorold, Mackenzie MacAvoy was ejected from the game.