The Tavistock Braves tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Burford Bulldogs held on for a 5-4 victory.

Burford took a 4-2 lead during the second period, only to have Tavistock storm back on a Maverick Petrie goal 1:18 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

With three goals and two assists between them, Chris Grand and Connor Merritt teamed up to power the Bulldogs' offense. Grand tallied two goals and Merritt also added one goal and two assists.

Burford excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. The Bulldogs forced the Braves goalie Ben Larder to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.

Burford also got points from Merritt, who also registered one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Burford included Tyler Hinde and Hayden Stewart, who scored one goal each. In addition, Burford received assists from Tyson Liverance AP, Jesse Brooks, and Mitch Randell, who contributed one each and Kyle Walker and Kolby Francis, who each chipped in two.

Tavistock put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Burford to score on any of its five power plays. The Bulldogs were unable to stop the Braves from sending pucks towards the net, and Tavistock eventually piled up 38 shots on goal.

Tavistock also had goals scored by Jake Wiffen and Shaun Pickering, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Tavistock were Liam Kelly, Greg Hansford, Jamie Shoemaker, and Tayler Trachsel, who contributed one each.

Michael Black made 34 saves for Burford on 38 shots. The Bulldogs incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Burford ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Jordan MacKenzie was ejected from the game. Larder recorded 27 saves for the Braves. Tavistock incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors.