The Burlington Cougars tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the North York Rangers would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 7-5.

North York took a 7-4 lead during the third period, only to have Burlington storm back on a Mike Sones goal 19:27 into the third period to pull to two goals down.

The Rangers was paced on offense by Matthew Whittaker and Taylor Pryce, who combined for six points. Whittaker had two goals and two assists and Pryce also added two goals.

North York's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Burlington power plays. The Rangers bested their season scoring average. This season, North York averages 4.3 goals per contest.

North York also got points from Ryan Kinsella, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Michael Florindo, who also grabbed one goal and three assists. Valadao Adam also scored for North York. Other players who recorded assists for North York were Patrick Simmonds, who had three and Chris Aitcheson, Fung Zachary, Scott Maguire, and Phillip AP Chadder, who contributed one a piece.

The Cougars did not challenge the opposing netminder, only getting 11 shots on net to force six saves.

Burlington was helped by Mark Rodgers, who registered two goals and two assists. Rodgers scored the first of his two goals at 2:19 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Burlington. Steven Mueller picked up the assist. Rodgers' next tally made the score 4-4 with 18:06 left in the third period. Luke Sinclair provided the assist. Burlington additionally got points from Tyler Mayea, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Sinclair, who also had one goal and three assists. More assists for Burlington came via Joe Sullivan, who had one.

The Rangers' Andrew Cippolone stopped six shots out of the 11 that he faced. North York incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors and had no power play opportunities. Brock Novak made 12 saves for the Cougars on 19 shots.