The Ayr Centennials gutted out a close 5-4 win against the Paris Mounties.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Anthony Pullia's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

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

Ayr's offense rang up 41 shots on the Mounties' net. The Centennials' defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Ayr was led by Connor Voigt, who grabbed two goals. Voigt scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 12:56 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Ayr. The Centennials had taken the advantage when Paris' Zack Hedley got sent off for tripping. Adam Fisher assisted on the tally. Voigt's next tally on the power play made the score 4-2 Ayr with 5:59 left in the second period. A high sticking penalty on Brady Wheelans had put Ayr on the power play. Jake Whibbs picked up the assist. Others who scored for Ayr included Austin Sine (AP) and Riley Clipper, who each put in one. More assists for Ayr came via Brett Gibson, who had two and Mac Kemp, Andrew Richard, Brendan Schaefer, and Mike McKnight, who contributed one each.

The Mounties were led by Ian Fowler, who tallied one goal and three assists. Fowler scored 3:08 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Wheelans assisted on the tally. Paris additionally got points from Wheelans, who also registered one goal and three assists. Brodie Smith also scored for Paris. In addition, Paris received assists from Zack Skubnik and Jacob Norcott, who each chipped in one.

Mitch Figueirdo rejected 22 shots on goal for the Centennials. Ayr incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with two minors. Paris' Zach Shomphe stopped 36 shots out of the 41 that he faced. The Mounties incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.