The Thamesford Trojans gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Exeter Hawks.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Jack Saunders at 14:07 of the third period.

The win by Thamesford broke a deadlock and gave the Trojans a 2-1 advantage in the best of seven series.

Thamesford got the win thanks to a great game by Kyle Walker, who had one goal and two assists. Walker scored short handed 12:48 into the first period to make the score 1-1. The Trojans played down a man on Liam Carson's tripping. Adam Levine picked up the assist.

Thamesford's penalty kill excelled, as the Trojans gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.

Thamesford stifled Exeter's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Trojans forced the Hawks goalie Joe Metzger to work between the pipes, taking 45 shots.

Thamesford additionally got points from Levine, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Saunders, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Thamesford also had goals scored by James Toye and Dakota Hill, who each put in one. In addition, Thamesford received assists from Paul Grasby, Jake McColl, and Avery Antone, who each chipped in one.

Exeter's offense rang up 34 shots on Thamesford's net.

The Hawks were helped by Robert Campbell, who registered one goal and one assist. Campbell scored 9:30 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Exeter. Christopher Pfaff assisted on the tally. Exeter also got points from Kalvin Thornton, who also had one goal and one assist and Tyler McNaughton, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Exeter were Brandan Willis and Jesse McIntyre, who contributed one a piece.

Alex Hutcheson made 31 saves for the Trojans on 34 shots. Thamesford incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Metzger recorded 40 saves for Exeter. The Hawks incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.