The Norwich Merchants gutted out a close 4-3 win against the Burford Bulldogs.

Neither team gained more than a one-goal lead, and Jesse Szabo's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

In the losing effort, Burford was led by Adam Harris, who grabbed two goals and one assist. Harris scored the first of his two goals at 13:08 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Tyler Vandenbussche provided the assist. Harris' next tally made the score 3-2 Burford with 19:40 left in the third period. Matt Kliewer assisted on the tally.

Norwich was sparked by Szabo, who racked up one goal. Szabo scored 16:05 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Norwich.

The Merchants stifled the Bulldogs' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Norwich forced Burford goalie Nick Trask to work between the pipes, taking 39 shots. The Merchants got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Others who scored for Norwich included Todd Kemp, Mitchell Berzins, and Braeden Shand, who scored one goal each. More assists for Norwich came via Derek Slaght, Drake Morrell, and Taylor Gosset, who each chipped in one.

The Bulldogs' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Norwich power plays. Burford's offense rang up 37 shots on Norwich's net.

Hayden Cox also scored for Burford.

The Merchants' Perry Robinson stopped 34 shots out of the 37 that he faced. Norwich incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Trask rejected 35 shots on goal for the Bulldogs. Burford incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.