The Pickering Panthers almost clawed their way back from a three-goal deficit, but the Hamilton Red Wings managed to pull out a 7-5 win in the end.

Hamilton led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Red Wings' Laine McKay scored at 19:23 in the third period to put Hamilton up 8-5.

Nicholas Lepone had one goal and two assists to lead the Red Wings. Lepone scored 14 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 Hamilton. McKay picked up the assist.

Hamilton's penalty kill excelled, as the Red Wings gave up one goal despite allowing nine power plays.

Hamilton's goal total was higher than its season average. The Red Wings average 3.5 goals per game. Hamilton got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game. The Red Wings could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 34 minutes in penalties during the game.

Hamilton also got points from Jason OConnor, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Rylee St. Onge, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, and McKay, who also finished with one goal and two assists. Hamilton also had goals scored by Khadyn Butterfly, Joseph Mitchell, Ryan Punkari, and Matt Smith, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Hamilton were Jeff Joynt, who had two and Carl Greco, Josh LaFrance, and Giovanni Foschia, who each chipped in one.

Hamilton was unable to stop Pickering from sending pucks towards the net, and the Panthers eventually piled up 33 shots on goal.

Pickering was helped by Mark Tenuta, who registered two goals. Tenuta scored the first of his two goals at 6:20 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Blake Coffey provided the assist. Tenuta's next tally made the score 4-4 with 16:09 left in the second period. Daniel Butchart picked up the assist. Pickering additionally got points from Butchart, who also had one goal and one assist and Riley Devine, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Pickering also got a goal from Michael Kelaiditis as well. More assists for Pickering came via Cam Palmer, who had two and John Hudgin, BJ Salerno, and Chris Sekelyk, who contributed one each.

Jordan Cartney recorded 28 saves for the Red Wings. Hamilton registered one goal on three power play opportunities. The Panthers' Austin Washkurak stopped 22 shots out of the 28 that he faced. Pickering incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.