The Markham Royals gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Stouffville Spirit.

Markham gained the winning advantage on a goal by Brendan Valko 5:44 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

The Royals got the win with help from a great game by Valko, who had two goals and one assist. Valko scored the first of his two goals at 2:13 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Markham. Valko's next tally made the score 4-3 Markham with 14:16 left in the third period. Lucas Condotta provided the assist.

Markham kept Stouffville's goalie busy throughout the game, and Kyle Pescador made 31 saves on 36 shots.

Markham also got points from Aaron Spivak, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Markham also had goals scored by Rylee St. Onge and Tyson Bruce, who scored one goal each. In addition, Markham received assists from Matthew Dunlop, who had one and Nick Thomakos, who had two.

The Spirit struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as they finished the game with 24 penalty minutes for seven opposing power plays.

Stouffville was helped by Nathan Hudgin, who racked up one goal. Hudgin scored 19:59 into the first period to make the score 2-2. Otis Goldman assisted on the tally. Stouffville additionally got points from Spencer Roberts, who also registered one goal and one assist. Chad Burrows also scored for Stouffville. Other players who recorded assists for Stouffville were Christopher Brill-Morgan, who had two and James Mense-Dietrich and Cameron Lintner, who contributed one each.

Nathan Colitto made 26 saves for the Royals on 29 shots. Markham incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. The Spirit registered one goal on two power play opportunities.