The Niagara Riverhawks survived a determined comeback attempt by the Dunnville Jr. Mudcats on the way to a 5-4 win.

Niagara took a 5-3 lead during the third period, only to have Dunnville storm back on a Steven Czepek goal 12:17 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Riverhawks were led by Benjamin Morrish, who finished with one goal and one assist. Morrish scored on the power play 7:27 into the third period to make the score 5-3 Niagara. Niagara had gained a power play chance when Dan Arrowsmith was whistled for holding. Jakob Reeves picked up the assist.

The Riverhawks put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Jr. Mudcats to score on any of their five power plays. Niagara kept Dunnville's goalie busy throughout the game, and Brennan Head made 27 saves on 32 shots.

Niagara also got points from Franklin Franck, who also tallied one goal and one assist, Landon Wilson, who also registered one goal and one assist, and Reeves, who also had one goal and one assist. Patrick Norris also scored for Niagara. Other players who recorded assists for Niagara were Drew Trendle, who had two and Joseph Costello and Bobby LaPlante, who each chipped in one.

The Jr. Mudcats forced the Riverhawks goalie Kyle Poole to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots. Penalties took their toll on Dunnville, as its penalty kill unit let in two power play goals.

The Jr. Mudcats were helped by Josh Phibbs, who grabbed one goal. Phibbs scored 10:39 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Niagara. Jacob Roy assisted on the tally. Dunnville also had goals scored by Mark Topp and Brandon Dear, who each put in one. In addition, Dunnville received assists from Josh Meeuwse, who had two and Matt Dolan, Mack Steele, Travis Sheldrake, and Chad Springer, who contributed one each.

Poole rejected 31 shots on goal for Niagara. The Riverhawks incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Dunnville incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.