The Exeter Hawks survived a determined comeback attempt by the Dorchester Dolphins on the way to a 5-3 win.

Exeter made the score 5-2 on a goal by Dan Lawson at 19:08 in the second period, and Dorchester got as close as 5-3 when Patrick Freel scored 15:41 into the third period.

The Hawks got the win on the strength of a great game by Dylan Bedard, who had two goals and one assist. Bedard scored the first of his two goals at 11:54 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Exeter. Taylor Moir assisted on the tally. Bedard's next tally made the score 4-2 Exeter with 7:15 left in the second period. Exeter had gotten the advantage when the Dolphins' Jacob Baribeau was sent off for interference. Kalvin Thornton picked up the assist.

The Hawks were often in penalty trouble, totaling seven minors and one major for 29 minutes in penalty time. Exeter had been averaging 26.0 minutes in penalties per game.

Exeter also got a goal from Tim Ruston as well. More assists for Exeter came via Zach Anderson, who had one and Brodie Balcom, who had two.

Dorchester racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with six minors and one major for 27 minutes in penalty time. The Dolphins surpassed its season average of 24.0 penalty minutes per game. Dorchester's offense rang up 47 shots on the Hawks' net.

The Dolphins were helped by Brendon O Shaughnessy, who had one goal. O Shaughnessy scored 9:40 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Shayne Rhyno assisted on the tally. Dorchester also got points from Baribeau, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. In addition, Dorchester received assists from Chad Brulotte, who had one.

Exeter's Colton James stopped 44 shots out of the 47 that he faced. The Hawks registered one goal on four power play opportunities. Exeter ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Ryan Consitt was ejected from the game. Dorchester's starting goalie, Jake Fonti, made six saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Alex Hutcheson, who stopped 17 shots. The Dolphins registered one goal on three power play opportunities. For Dorchester, Tyler Blue was ejected from the game.