The Exeter Hawks gutted out a close 5-3 win against the North Middlesex Stars.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Alex Garon's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

After the loss made the series score 1-3 in the best of seven series, North Middlesex faces elimination next time out.

Mitch Vandergunst had a great game for Exeter, netting two goals. Vandergunst scored at 4:45 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Exeter and again while six seconds into the second to make the score 2-1 Exeter.

The referees were busy during the game, as 15 penalties were assessed during the course of the contest.

The Hawks stifled the Stars' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. North Middlesex was unable to stop Exeter from sending pucks towards the net, and the Hawks eventually piled up 35 shots on goal. Exeter could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 14 minutes in penalties during the game. The leading offender was Vandergunst, who totaled four minutes in penalty time with two minors.

Exeter also got points from Garon, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Kalvin Thornton, who also had one goal and two assists. Dylan Bedard also scored for Exeter. Other players who recorded assists for Exeter were Josh Brideau, who had three and Trevor Thornton and Tim Burtch, who contributed one each.

The Stars had trouble staying out of the sin bin throughout the game as they finished the game with 16 penalty minutes for five opposing power plays. The leading offender was Mike Sharpe, who totaled six minutes in penalty time with three minors.

North Middlesex was helped by Chris Wilson, who tallied one goal. Wilson scored 16:25 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Sharpe provided the assist. North Middlesex got a goal from Matt Lenz as well. More assists for North Middlesex came via Mac Beaton, Mike Slegers, Tommy Prokes, and Jordan Drury, who each chipped in one.

The Hawks' Aaron Bedard stopped 24 shots out of the 27 that he faced. Bobby Raine turned away 30 pucks between the pipes for the Stars. North Middlesex registered zero goals on five power play opportunities.