In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Elmira Sugar Kings escaped with a 5-4 victory over the Stratford Cullitons.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Kevin Gergely's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

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

Rob Kohli had a great game for Elmira, netting two goals. Kohli scored on the power play at 16:52 into the second period to make the score 2-2 and again while 16:13 into the third to make the score 6-4 Elmira.

The Sugar Kings forced the Cullitons goalie Nicholas Caldwell to work between the pipes, taking 41 shots.

Elmira also got points from Mac Clutsam, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Ethan Skinner also scored for Elmira. In addition, Elmira received assists from Brodie Whitehead, Klayton Hoelscher, Zac Coulter, and Ryan Maksymyk, who each chipped in one and Adam Brubacher and Mitch Klie, who contributed two each.

Stratford's offense rang up 36 shots on Elmira's net.

The Cullitons were helped by Tyson Baker, who racked up two goals and one assist. Baker scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 6:37 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Stratford. Stratford had gotten the advantage when the Sugar Kings' Brubacher was sent off for tripping. Shane O Brien provided the assist. Baker's next tally on the power play made the score 5-4 Elmira with 3:55 left in the third period. The Cullitons had gained a power play chance when Alex Mutton was whistled for hooking. Jared Nash picked up the assist. Stratford additionally got points from O Brien, who also tallied two goals and one assist. More assists for Stratford came via Jake Pleon, who had one and Mitch Brooks, who had four.

Jonathan Reinhart made 32 saves for Elmira on 36 shots. The Sugar Kings incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors. Caldwell rejected 36 shots on goal for Stratford. The Cullitons incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. For Stratford, Brook Hiddink was ejected from the game.