Connor Merritt gave the Burford Bulldogs a 3-2 (OT) victory over the New Hamburg Firebirds when he scored 2:08 into the extra period.

Burford got the win behind a great game by Chris Grand, who had one goal and two assists. Grand scored 19:50 into the third period to make the score 2-2. Broidy Rondelet picked up the assist.

In the losing effort, New Hamburg was led by Carter Tracey, who registered two goals. Tracey scored the first of his two goals at 8:26 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Kory Nowak assisted on the tally. Tracey's next tally made the score 2-1 New Hamburg with 2:28 left in the third period. Taylor Wood picked up the assist.

The Bulldogs put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Firebirds to score on any of their three power plays. Burford forced New Hamburg goalie Ryan Purcell to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots.

Jesse Brooks also scored for Burford. In addition, Burford received assists from Kyle Walker, who had two.

The Firebirds' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Burford power plays. New Hamburg was held below its usual level of production. The Firebirds put an average of 4.4 pucks into the net per game. New Hamburg kept the Bulldogs' goalie busy throughout the game, and Michael Black made 39 saves on 41 shots. The Firebirds were forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as they racked up 28 penalty minutes.

More assists for New Hamburg came via Kevin Mullaly, who had one.

Burford incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with four minors. Purcell recorded 40 saves for New Hamburg.