In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Port Colborne Pirates escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Niagara Falls Canucks.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Pat Murphy's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Port Colborne was paced by Murphy, who tallied one goal and one assist. Murphy scored 10:00 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Port Colborne. Zack Deconilys provided the assist.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 5:08 into the third period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with six game misconducts.

The Pirates racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 11 minors and one major for 77 minutes in penalty time. Port Colborne had been averaging 23.0 minutes in penalties per game. Niagara Falls was unable to stop the Pirates from sending pucks towards the net, and Port Colborne eventually piled up 39 shots on goal. The Pirates had trouble converting on the power play advantage, managing just one goal on 16 chances. The defensemen of Port Colborne were also effective in the Canucks' zone, and came away with two goals.

Port Colborne also got a goal from DYLAN BURDICK as well. Other players who recorded assists for Port Colborne were Dayne Phillips, who had two and Evan Huckalo and Charlie Izaguirre, who contributed one a piece.

The Niagara Falls penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 12 minors and two majors for 124 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 30.0 minutes per game the Canucks had been spending in the box. Niagara Falls was held below its usual level of production. The Canucks average 4.9 goals per game. Niagara Falls' offense rang up 33 shots on the Pirates' net.

The Canucks were helped by Darren Young, who grabbed one goal. Young scored on the power play 12:58 into the second period to make the score 1-0 Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls earned a power play opportunity when Nathan Judd-Warren was put in the box for holding. Vito Scaringi assisted on the tally. Garrett Gallardi also scored for Niagara Falls. In addition, Niagara Falls received assists from Drew Berkel, who had two.

Morgan Hudson made 31 saves for Port Colborne on 33 shots. For the Pirates, Blaine Bechard and Judd-Warren were ejected from the contest. Hunter Johnson rejected 35 shots on goal for the Canucks. Niagara Falls registered two goals on six power play opportunities. Team's Tory McLean, Frank Nemeth, and Denis Creighton were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.