The Burlington Cougars gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Toronto Patriots Patriots.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Steve Mariani at 8:56 of the second period.

Mariani had two goals and one assist to lead Burlington. Mariani scored the first of his two goals at 10:52 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Burlington. Jack Jeffers assisted on the tally. Mariani's next tally made the score 4-3 Burlington with 11:04 left in the second period. David Thomson picked up the assist.

The Cougars bested their season scoring average. This season, Burlington averages 2.5 goals per contest. The defensemen of the Cougars were also effective in Toronto Patriots' zone, and came away with two goals. Burlington could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 36 minutes in penalties during the game.

Others who scored for Burlington included Zach Anderson, Dante Felicetti, and Michael Alberga, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Burlington were Ryan Sullivan, Ben Morris, Spencer Herbst, Jacob Ovens, and Sean McLaren, who contributed one each.

The Cougars were unable to stop the Patriots from sending pucks towards the net, and Toronto Patriots eventually piled up 41 shots on goal.

The Patriots were helped by Jeremy Pullara, who registered one goal. Pullara scored 11:29 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Quinn Syrydiuk assisted on the tally. Toronto Patriots additionally got points from Niko Kovachis, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Toronto Patriots also got a goal from Marcus Rose as well. In addition, Toronto Patriots received assists from Beau Browning and Nicholas Ursitti, who each chipped in one.

Burlington's Evgueni Makarski stopped 38 shots out of the 41 that he faced. The Cougars registered one goal on four power play opportunities. Emanuel Vella took the loss and made 19 saves before being replaced by Mathew Robson who made three saves. Toronto Patriots incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors.