A stellar performance between the pipes by Lee Doherty helped the Ayr Centennials defeat the Norwich Merchants, 5-1.

Norwich's power play was ineffective against Ayr's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

The Centennials were led by Brendan Schaefer, who had one goal. Schaefer scored 10:45 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Ayr. Riley Clipper picked up the assist.

Ayr's offense rang up 44 shots on the Merchants' net. The Centennials were ineffective while on the power play, as they were held to one goal off of nine man advantages.

Others who scored for Ayr included Jake Whibbs, who had two and Mac Kemp and Andrew Richard, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Ayr were Adam Fisher, Chris Spinello, Jeff Howlett, Anthony Pullia, and Jack Taylor, who each chipped in one.

Norwich's offense operated below it season average. The Merchants put an average of 4.3 pucks into the net per game. Norwich could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 28 minutes in penalties during the game.

The Merchants were led by Brandon Zimmermann, who scored the team's only goal. Zimmermann scored on the power play 6:07 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Norwich. Norwich earned a power play opportunity when Schaefer was put in the box for roughing after whistle. Drake Morrell provided the assist.

Doherty recorded 26 saves for Ayr. The Centennials incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors. For Ayr, Jordan Pettitt was ejected from the game. Patrick Maziarz made 39 saves for the Merchants on 44 shots.