The Ayr Centennials tried to dig themselves out of a four-goal hole, but the Burford Bulldogs held on for a 5-3 victory.

Burford took a 5-1 lead during the third period, only to have Ayr storm back on a Brandon Christopher goal 11:36 into the third period to pull to two goals down.

The Bulldogs excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances.

The Centennials were held below their usual level of production. Ayr puts an average of 5.3 pucks into the net per game. The Centennials forced Burford goalie Don Davis to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots. Ayr found itself short handed often, totaling 54 penalty minutes and allowing 14 power plays.

The Centennials were helped by Alex Mutton, who grabbed one goal. Mutton scored 3:24 into the third period to make the score 3-1 Burford. Declan Kaster provided the assist. Jimmy Roy also scored for Ayr. In addition, Ayr received assists from Adam Fisher, Dustin Scheer, Hunter Moore, Brett Gibson, and Alex Richard, who contributed one a piece.

The Bulldogs' Davis stopped 34 shots out of the 37 that he faced. Burford incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Bobby Brown made 21 saves for Ayr on 26 shots.