The Thorold Blackhawks' Dan Chudobiak scored 15:18 into overtime to beat the Niagara Falls Canucks, 5-4 (OT).

After the loss made the series score 2-3 in the best of seven series, Niagara Falls faces elimination next time out.

Thorold nearly gave up a two-score lead. The Blackhawks made the score 3-1 on a goal by Chudobiak at 16:12 in the second period. The Canucks got to within 3-2 on a goal by Billy Saxton at 2:41 in the third period.

Chudobiak was all over the ice for Thorold, as he tallied two goals and two assists in the win.

The Blackhawks kept Niagara Falls' goalie busy throughout the game, and Hunter Johnson made 33 saves on 38 shots. Thorold did not rack up many penalties in the contest, totaling only one minor for two minutes in penalty time.

Thorold additionally got points from Tanner Pagendam, who also registered two goals and one assist. Tanner Hildbrant also scored for Thorold. Other players who recorded assists for Thorold were Owen Sobchak, who had two and Brian Brosnan, Joel Forestell, and Myles Falasca, who contributed one a piece.

The Canucks forced the Blackhawks goalie Vinny Merante to work between the pipes, taking 42 shots.

Niagara Falls also got a goal from Johnny Curran as well. More assists for Niagara Falls came via Cam Stewart, who had two and Jamie Cardamone, Brad Kri, Cole Vinnai, Garrett Gallardi, and Darren Young, who each chipped in one.

Merante rejected 38 shots on goal for Thorold. The Blackhawks registered zero goals on two power play opportunities. Niagara Falls incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.