The Newmarket Hurricanes tried their best to erase a four-goal deficit, but the Milton Icehawks would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 5-3.

Milton made the score 5-1 on a goal by Jeremy Gottzmann at 7:21 in the second period, and Newmarket got as close as 5-3 when Trevor Petersen scored 11:38 into the third period.

The Hurricanes' power play was ineffective against the Icehawks' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Milton made Hurricanes' goalies to work in net, firing 33 shots and forcing 28 saves. Jophrey Gregoire made seven stops and Bo Bessette made 21. The Icehawks put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Newmarket to score on any of its eight power plays. Milton could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 36 minutes in penalties during the game.

The Icehawks were helped by Shane Bennett, who had two goals and one assist. Bennett scored the first of his two goals at 9:19 into the first period to make the score 3-0 Milton. Gottzmann picked up the assist. Bennett's next tally made the score 4-0 Milton with 8:34 left in the first period. Milton additionally got points from Alex Riche, who also grabbed one goal and two assists and Gottzmann, who also racked up one goal and two assists. Milton also got a goal from Michael Andlauer as well. In addition, Milton received assists from Cooper Richards, who had one.

The Hurricanes' offense rang up 47 shots on Milton's net.

Newmarket also got points from Justin Maiolino, who also tallied one goal and one assist. More assists for Newmarket came via Cameron Nicoll, who had two.

Ben Blacker made 44 saves for the Icehawks on 47 shots. Milton registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Newmarket incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.