Caleb Warren's power play goal late in the third period combined with Max Wright's 22 saves was enough to give Listowel the win in Game 1 of the Cherrey Cup Final over Elmira.
It was a 2-0 final with Blake Nichol scoring into an empty net with just a second left to play in the third period.
Both teams were coming off emotional wins in the semi-finals. Listowel with a Game 7 win over Waterloo and Elmira with a Game 6 overtime win over Stratford.
After a couple of early power plays, Listowel converted on their third opportunity in the first period. Chayse Herrfort passed the puck from the near corner to Holdyn Lansink on the far post behind the net, who in turn passed it to Warren who was streaking to the front of the net. Warren was all alone and lifted the puck blocker side high for the opening goal of the game.
Lansink's assist marked his return to the Listowel line-up for the first time since Game 3 of the semi-final versus Waterloo.
Both teams jostled back and forth through the game but both teams held their ground from that point.
Max Wright made 22 saves for the shut out while Elmira goalie Tyler Mozzocato made 36 saves.
Listowel's power play went 1-5 and Elmira 0-3.
Game 2 of the series is Sunday in Elmira at 7:00 p.m.
Advance ticket sales for Game 3 will be Monday night between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex.
