Michael Laidley gave the Aurora Tigers a 5-4 (OT) victory over the Newmarket Hurricanes when he scored 22 seconds into the extra period.

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

Although Aurora was up by as many as two goals in the third period, the Hurricanes kept the game interesting by staging a comeback that ultimately fell short. Newmarket got to within 4-3 on a goal by Sam Hu at 8:17 in the third period.

The Tigers were sparked by Laidley, who finished with one goal.

Aurora forced the Hurricanes' goaltenders to work in net, taking 47 shots and forcing 42 saves. Tyler Richardson made 35 stops and Connor Ryckman made seven.

Aurora additionally got points from Johnny Curran, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Aurora included Drake Board, Taylor Joseph, and Keaton Ratcliffe, who each put in one. In addition, Aurora received assists from Daniel Mantenuto, Noah Delmas, Vince Figliomeni, Michael Mantenuto, Cameron Morrison, and Liam Neuman, who each chipped in one.

Newmarket kept the Tigers' goalie busy throughout the game, and Andy Munroe made 32 saves on 36 shots.

The Hurricanes were helped by Joseph Mizzi, who racked up one goal. Mizzi scored 2:17 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Newmarket. Newmarket also got points from Hu, who also registered one goal and one assist. Newmarket also had goals scored by Mitchell Duggan and Christian Cella, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Newmarket were Anthony Salemi, who had two and Dallas Baird, Marty Lawlor, and Jacob Piltzmaker, who contributed one each.

Aurora incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Newmarket incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.