The Elmira Sugar Kings survived a determined comeback attempt by the Cambridge Winter Hawks on the way to a 3-2 win.

A goal by Mitch Montgomery put Elmira up 3-1 in the second period, but Cambridge pulled to within one on Rob Grant's tally 9:06 into the third period.

Zac Coulter had a great game for the Sugar Kings, netting two goals. Coulter scored at 31 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 Elmira and again while on the power play 1:22 into the first to make the score 2-0 Elmira.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 6:03 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

Elmira racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with nine minors and one major for 23 minutes in penalty time. The Sugar Kings had been averaging 16.0 minutes in penalties per game. Elmira forced the Winter Hawks goalie Owen Savory to work between the pipes, taking 46 shots. Team could not crack Cambridge's penalty kill and was held to one power play goal while having nine opportunities to play with the man advantage.

In addition, Elmira received assists from Mackenzie MacSorley, who had two and Rob Kohli, Ethan Skinner, and Jeff Jordan, who each chipped in one.

The Winter Hawks' penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as Cambridge finished with 25 penalty minutes.

The Winter Hawks were helped by Sean Ross, who racked up one goal. Ross scored on the power play 15:56 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Elmira. Cambridge had gotten the advantage when the Sugar Kings' Coulter was sent off for hooking. Savory provided the assist. More assists for Cambridge came via Robert Proner and Kyle Heitzner, who contributed one each.

Liam Conway made 21 saves for Elmira on 23 shots. For the Sugar Kings, Ryan Walsh was ejected from the game. The Winter Hawks' Savory stopped 43 shots out of the 46 that he faced. Cambridge registered two goals on seven power play opportunities. The Winter Hawks ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Matt Harding was ejected from the game.