The Thorold Blackhawks gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Port Colborne Pirates.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Matt Pizzo at 8:14 of the second period.

Thorold's penalty kill excelled, as the Blackhawks gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

Thorold was led by Christian Difelice, who tallied one goal. Difelice scored 11:52 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Thorold. Zach McQuade assisted on the tally.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 16:52 into the second period. Six fighting penalties were dished out along with four game misconducts.

The goalies for both teams were ejected from the contest at 20:00 into the second period.

The Blackhawks racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with four minors and four majors for 38 minutes in penalty time. Thorold surpassed its season average of 21.0 penalty minutes per game. The Blackhawks' offense rang up 43 shots on Port Colborne's net.

Thorold also got a goal from Owen Sobchak as well. More assists for Thorold came via Quinn Geddes, who had two and Kevin Lavoie, Drake Hart, Ryan Sarris, and Kyle Tanev, who contributed one a piece.

The Pirates forced their penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up eight minors and three majors for 31 minutes in penalty time. Port Colborne had been averaging 28.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Pirates kept Thorold's goalie busy throughout the game, and Brendan Polasek made 29 saves on 32 shots.

Port Colborne was helped by Cody Levasseur, who had one goal. Levasseur scored 19:09 into the second period to make the score 4-3 Thorold. Liam VanBuren provided the assist. Cody Mintz also scored for Port Colborne. Other players who recorded assists for Port Colborne were Charlie Izaguirre and DYLAN BURDICK, who each chipped in one.

The Blackhawks registered two goals on six power play opportunities. Team's Polasek, Difelice, and Hart were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game. Mitchell Knight made 38 saves for the Pirates on 43 shots. For Port Colborne, Mitchell Knight, John DiLorenzo, Trevor Smith, and Dakota Kingston were ejected from the contest.