The Norwich Merchants tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Paris Mounties held on for a 2-1 victory.

A goal by Brandan Verasamy put Paris up 2-0 in the second period, but Norwich pulled to within one on Drake Morrell's tally 1:51 into the third period.

With the win, the Mounties evened the series at 1-1 in the best of seven showdown.

Paris' Andrew Masters was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 57 saves and let only one puck past him. The solid play of Masters will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 2.67.

The Mounties stifled the Merchants' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Jimmy Spielvogel also scored for Paris. Other players who recorded assists for Paris were Jordan Kerr, Kamden Hughes, Jeff Howlett, and Mitch Atkins, who contributed one a piece.

Norwich put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Paris to score on any of its four power plays. The Merchants forced the Mounties goalie Masters to work between the pipes, taking 58 shots.

In addition, Norwich received assists from Todd Kemp and Gus Ford, who each chipped in one.

Paris incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Matt McGonigle made 23 saves for Norwich on 25 shots. The Merchants incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.