Brantford Bulldogs edge Barrie Colts in Game 1 of Eastern Conference finals

The Brantford Bulldogs bested the Barrie Colts in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final. CTV's Colton Wiens has reaction from fans.

The Brantford Bulldogs are off to an early lead in their Eastern Conference final series with the Barrie Colts.

After a scoreless first period, Jake O’Brien opened the scoring for the Bulldogs by capitalizing on a power play in the second period.

Barrie’s Carter Lowe answered with a goal of his own moments later, but Caleb Malhotra battled back for Brantford and tucked one away within the next minute of play.

The sold-out crowd was on their edge of their seats throughout the third period as Malhotra put away another power play goal for Brantford, quickly followed by two goals for Barrie.

But Brantford’s captain Jake O’Brien earned the ‘C’ on his chest in the dying moments of the game. He fired a shot past Barrie’s netminder, Ben Hrebik, with only one minute and 35 seconds left in the game. O’Brien’s goal brought “The Madhouse on Market Street” to its feet as Brantford took Game 1 4 – 3.

The Bulldogs and Colts are back in action on Friday at the TD Civic Centre in Brantford. Puck drops at 7 p.m.