The North Middlesex Stars almost clawed their way back from a three-goal deficit, but the Exeter Hawks managed to pull out a 5-3 win in the end.

Exeter led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Hawks' Cam Jude's scored at 1:50 in the second period to put Exeter up 3-0.

The Hawks were sparked by John Kingma, who had one goal and one assist. Kingma scored 29 seconds into the third period to make the score 4-2 Exeter. Jude assisted on the tally.

In a losing effort, North Middlesex was paced by Chris Waack, who racked up two goals. Waack scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 12:22 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Exeter. The Stars had gained a power play chance when Dylan Bedard was whistled for roughing. Zak MacNaught picked up the assist. Waack's next tally on the power play made the score 4-3 Exeter with 10:29 left in the third period. A tripping penalty on Kalvin Thornton had put North Middlesex on the power play. Mike Sharpe assisted on the tally.

Exeter forced the Stars goalie Matt Lockwood to work between the pipes, taking 36 shots. The Hawks were ineffective while on the power play, as they were held to one goal off of nine man advantages.

Exeter additionally got points from Brodie Balcom, who also tallied one goal and two assists and Jude, who also finished with two goals and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Exeter received assists from Josh DenOtter, Mitch Wild, and Taylor Moir, who each chipped in one.

North Middlesex also got points from Sharpe, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for North Middlesex were Greg Masschelein and Tommy Prokes, who contributed one a piece.

Paul Orlando recorded 23 saves for Exeter. The Hawks incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. North Middlesex's Lockwood stopped 31 shots out of the 36 that he faced. The Stars incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.