Stratford Cherry Bus Lines Minor Bantams, behind a solid goaltending performance by Ben Merkel, defeated the visiting Waterloo Wolves 5-1 last Tuesday night at Dufferin Arena.

Merkel stopped 24 of 25 shots directed his way, including several close-range chances by Waterloo to earn the victory.

Shaun Pickering, defenceman Jarren Ball and Mack Rankin scored second-period goals, while Colton Fountain and Tim Clay notched third-period insurance markers for Stratford.

Centre Jarett Bogdon, who had a strong game, collected two assists, while Andy Brickman, Riley Walsh and Dalton Carde each drew an assist.

Warriors fended off three penalties as Devon Feltz, Spenser Dowd and Luke Goris provided strong penalty killing throughout the game. Strong forechecking deep in the Wolves’ zone also forced several turnovers. Players such as Bogdon, Carde, Clay and Fountain did a good job in that department.