Cooper Hyman scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Markham Royals held off the challenges of the Wellington Dukes in a tough 3-1 win.

Markham was led by goalie Marcus Semiao, who finished with 27 saves while allowing one goal. Semiao certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 3.04 entering the contest.

The Royals were sparked by Tyson Bruce, who registered one goal. Bruce scored on the power play 13:07 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Markham. Markham had gained a power play chance when Nicolas Mucci was whistled for hooking. Matthew Dunlop provided the assist.

The Royals forced Wellington goalie Sam Tanguay to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots. Markham took advantage of the Dukes' penalties, tallying two goals off of three power play opportunities.

Markham additionally got points from Aaron Spivak, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Markham were Rylee St. Onge and Marco Azzano, who each chipped in one.

Wellington could not produce up to its normal offensive output. The Dukes put an average of 3.5 pucks into the net per game.

Wellington was led by Ben Sokay, who scored the team's only goal. Sokay scored on the power play 17:28 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Markham. The Dukes had taken the advantage when the Royals' Laine McKay got sent off for hooking. Luc Brown picked up the assist.

Markham ended with 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. For the Royals, Hudson Michaelis was ejected from the game. Sam Tanguay made 37 saves for Wellington on 39 shots. The Dukes incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.