The Uxbridge Bruins gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Little Britain Merchants.

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

The win gave Uxbridge a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Connor Evans was all over the ice for the Bruins, as he tallied one goal and two assists in the win. Evans scored on the power play 12:11 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Uxbridge. Uxbridge had gotten the advantage when Little Britain's Jordan Sharpe was sent off for tripping. Jarett Smith assisted on the tally.

The Merchants' power play was ineffective against the Bruins' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Uxbridge forced Merchants' netminders to work without much rest, finishing with 35 shots and forcing 30 saves. Garrett Haden made 18 stops and Adam Harris made 12.

Uxbridge also had goals scored by Dylan Locke, Korey Brand, and Tyson Eastgate, who each put in one. More assists for Uxbridge came via Brandon Francey, Adam Bartholomew, and Marco Mastrangelo, who each chipped in one.

Little Britain forced the Bruins goalie Francey to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.

The Merchants were helped by Greg McLean, who finished with one goal. McLean scored 8:36 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Kurtis Moore provided the assist. Little Britain also got points from Moore, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Little Britain also got a goal from Jesse Craig as well. In addition, Little Britain received assists from Aidan Renouf, who had one.

Francey recorded 28 saves for Uxbridge. The Bruins incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Little Britain incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with 12 minors.