The Dunnville Jr. Mudcats tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Niagara Riverhawks would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 5-4.

Niagara took a 5-2 lead during the third period, only to have Dunnville storm back on a Jeff May goal 15:46 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Riverhawks were paced by Dylan Lazarus, who racked up one goal and one assist. Lazarus scored 3:23 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Niagara. Chris Molnar picked up the assist.

Niagara also had goals scored by Dante Zawadzki, Franklin Franck, Patrick Norris, and Peter Falivena, who each put in one. In addition, Niagara received assists from Luke Brackett, who had two and Kyle Robertson, Nick Manlow, and Drew Trendle, who contributed one each.

The Jr. Mudcats forced Niagara goalie Scott Charanduk to work between the pipes, taking 42 shots.

Dunnville additionally got points from Evan Huckalo, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Dunnville also got a goal from Mack Steele as well. More assists for Dunnville came via Mitch Holodnuik, Andy Metzler, Matt Dolan, Steven Czepek, Davis Hart, Dan Arrowsmith, and Josh Phibbs, who each chipped in one.

Scott Charanduk made 38 saves for the Riverhawks on 42 shots. Niagara incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Dunnville's Josh Rosettani stopped 23 shots out of the 28 that he faced. The Jr. Mudcats incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors.