It seemed the Pacers still had bus legs to begin the game as they gave up the opening goal in the first six minutes of the game. However, they showed perseverance by getting one back just 37 seconds later. Perseverance is what the Pacers displayed all game long, coming back from two goal deficits twice in the game, the second one late in the third period.

During the 1^st period Sarnia picked up a shortie when Lance Ross picked off a pass and made a cross rink pass to Jimmy Purves. A quick shovel off to TJ Mara and the twine bulged giving the visitors a 5-4 lead to take to the dressing room.

The second period saw lots of end to end action with the Pacers either tied or taking the lead multiple times. Towards the end of the period, it appeared that the Pacers had scored another short-handed goal but it was waved off as being in the crease (and upon team’s video review, it was the correct call). Jimmy Purves didn’t agree with the call and objected quite strenuously earning himself a two minute minor and Sarnia found themselves starting the 3^rd period two men short.

They were successful in killing off the 5 on 3 portion of the penalties but gave up a power play goal and then an even strength goal and suddenly the Bengals were again enjoying a two goal lead. With less than 4 minutes to go in the game, Sarnia began their comeback.  It began with Jimmy Purves letting go a wicked hard shot from inside the faceoff circle that quite easily beat the Bengals goaltender.  Right after a stoppage in play in which a Hamilton player had to receive assistance from their trainer, Sarnia’s Dan Charlton tied the game. Just seconds later when the Pacers were on the offensive, Jimmy went to work and put on quite a clinic.  He dangled and popped his way through the “D” of Hamilton who seemed as if frozen in time, watching as Purves netted what would prove to be the winning goal. The Bengals pulled their goalie with 32.7 left for an extra attacker but instead it was Sarnia who controlled the ball for pretty much the rest of the game.

MVP for both teams were #18 – Jimmy Purves for your hometown Pacers and Shawn Stringer for the Bengals.