The New Hamburg Firebirds tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Tavistock Braves would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-2.

Tavistock took a 3-1 lead during the third period, only to have New Hamburg storm back on a Tyler Randerson goal 16:20 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

After the loss made the series score 2-3 in the best of seven series, the Firebirds face elimination next time out.

The Braves pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 16 penalty minutes.

Tavistock was helped by Derek Cowing, who had one goal. Cowing scored on the power play 5:58 into the third period to make the score Tavistock. A unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Anthony Osterling had put the Braves on the power play. Matthew Lupton assisted on the tally. Tavistock also had goals scored by Jeremy Munro and Dylan Yantzi, who scored one goal each. More assists for Tavistock came via Jared Yantzi, Mackenzie Kalbfleisch, and Angus Rowland, who contributed one a piece.

New Hamburg's offense rang up 39 shots on Tavistock's net.

The Firebirds were helped by Kyle Mohr, who grabbed one goal. Mohr scored on the power play 3:42 into the second period to make the score 1-0 New Hamburg. New Hamburg had gotten the advantage when the Braves' Nick Quehl was sent off for roughing after whistle. Carter Tracey picked up the assist. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from Kory Nowak, David Jennings, and Andrew Boer, who each chipped in one.

Tavistock's Trevor Bloch stopped 37 shots out of the 39 that he faced. The Braves registered three goals on nine power play opportunities. Ryan Purcell made 23 saves for the Firebirds on 26 shots. New Hamburg incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors. For the Firebirds, Jay Fried was ejected from the game.