Kory Nowak scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the New Hamburg Firebirds held off the challenges of the Aylmer Spitfires in a tough 3-2 win.

A goal 2:36 into the the first period by Nowak proved to be the game winner, and powered New Hamburg to the victory Garrett Fisher assisted on the tally.

The win moved the Firebirds to down 2-0 in the best of seven series.

Nowak had two goals to lead New Hamburg to victory.

The Firebirds' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Aylmer power plays. New Hamburg kept Aylmer's goalie busy throughout the game, and Brian Valentine made 35 saves on 38 shots.

The Spitfires excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. Aylmer's offense efficiently hummed along to the tune of 38 shots put on the Firebirds' net.

Trevor Sweetland also scored for New Hamburg. More assists for New Hamburg came via Jay DAguilar, who had one.

The Spitfires were helped by Eric Nemeth, who tallied one goal. Nemeth scored 16:04 into the first period to make the score 2-1 New Hamburg. Ben Shaw picked up the assist. Aylmer got a goal from Todd Laurindo as well. Other players who recorded assists for Aylmer were Josh Houston and Coy Kulich, who each chipped in one.

Aylmer stifled New Hamburg's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

The Firebirds stifled the Spitfires' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Laurindo also scored for Aylmer. More assists for Aylmer came via.

New Hamburg got a goal from Sweetland as well. Other players who recorded assists for New Hamburg were.

New Hamburg's Brodij Gerryts stopped 36 shots out of the 38 that he faced. The Firebirds incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Aylmer ended with nine minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major. The Spitfires ran into disciplinary problems during the contest, and Trevor Stewart was ejected from the game.

For Aylmer, Stewart was ejected from the game.