The Walkerton Hawks and the Hanover Barons were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Walkerton made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-3.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Brooks Nelthorpe's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

After the loss made the series score 3-1 in the best of seven series, Hanover faces elimination next time out.

Reid Simmons had two goals to lead the Hawks to victory. Simmons scored at 4:38 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Walkerton and again while short handed 14:16 into the second to make the score 4-2 Walkerton.

Walkerton's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Hanover power plays. The Hawks forced the Barons goalie Cody Van der Heide to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.

Walkerton additionally got points from Calvin Penney, who also registered one goal and one assist. Jay Thomson also scored for Walkerton. In addition, Walkerton received assists from Nathan Kramer, Connor Shaw, Carter Franks, and Ryan Hamelin, who contributed one each.

Hanover was led by Justin D Graham, who had two goals and one assist. Graham scored the first of his two goals at 7:19 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Tyson Soers provided the assist. Graham's next tally made the score 4-3 Walkerton with 1:40 left in the second period. Jarrett Kuntz picked up the assist. Hanover also got points from Soers, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. More assists for Hanover came via Brodie Lemay, who had one and Brad Pitt, who had two.

Erik Angeli made 27 saves for Walkerton on 30 shots. The Hawks incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Van der Heide recorded 32 saves for the Barons. Hanover incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.