The Cambridge Winter Hawks tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Brantford 99ers held on for a 3-2 victory.

Brantford made the score 3-1 on a goal by Kyle Walker at 8:44 in the third period, and Cambridge got as close as 3-2 when Rob Grant scored 19:23 into the third period.

In the losing effort, the Winter Hawks were sparked by Grant, who had two goals. Grant scored the first of his two goals at 5:10 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Brantford. Kevin Lanoix picked up the assist. Grant's next tally made the score 3-2 Brantford with 37 seconds left in the third period. Chris Poletek provided the assist.

The 99ers stifled Cambridge's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Brantford's offense rang up 38 shots on the Winter Hawks' net.

Brantford also had goals scored by Christian Polillo and Jack Phibbs, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Brantford were Guy Polillo, who had two and Matt Scanlin, Zander Pryor, Brandon Scanlin, and Bryce O`Brien, who each chipped in one.

Cambridge could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 24 minutes in penalties during the game.

More assists for Cambridge came via Beau Goehrum and Robert Proner, who contributed one each.

Will Rawski rejected 25 shots on goal for the 99ers. Brantford incurred 30 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Owen Savory made 35 saves for the Winter Hawks on 38 shots. Cambridge registered zero goals on four power play opportunities.