The Allen Americans gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Brampton Beast.

Allen gained the winning advantage on a goal by Greger Hanson 5:55 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

The win gave the Americans a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Allen was sparked by Hanson, who finished with one goal.

The Americans kept Brampton's goalie busy throughout the game, and Kristofer Westblom made 38 saves on 43 shots.

Allen also got points from Jamie Schaafsma, who also registered one goal and one assist and Spencer Asuchak, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Allen included Brian McMillin and Darryl Bootland, who each put in one. In addition, Allen received assists from Jonathan Lessard, who had one, Bruce Graham, who had two, and Tyler Ludwig, who had three.

The Beast's offense rang up 33 shots on Allen's net.

Brampton was helped by Scott Howes, who had one goal. Howes scored 12:46 into the first period to make the score 3-1 Brampton. Brampton also had goals scored by Jason Pitton and Thomas Stajan, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Brampton were Andrew Buck, Michael MacIsaac, Steve Makway, and Matt Caruana, who contributed one each.

Bryan Pitton made 30 saves for the Americans on 33 shots. Allen incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Beast incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.