The New Hamburg Firebirds gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Ayr Centennials.

Neither team gained more than a one-goal lead, and Carter Tracey's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

New Hamburg was sparked by Tracey, who tallied one goal. Tracey scored 17:18 into the third period to make the score 3-2 New Hamburg. Kory Nowak provided the assist.

The Firebirds' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Ayr power plays. New Hamburg forced Ayr goalie Will Rawski to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.

New Hamburg additionally got points from Nowak, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Jerry Ennett also scored for New Hamburg. Other players who recorded assists for New Hamburg were Jay Fried, Quinten Haddock, Andrew Boer, and Taylor Wood, who contributed one each.

The Centennials stifled the Firebirds' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Ayr did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. The Centennials put an average of 5.9 pucks into the net per game. Ayr's offense rang up 34 shots on New Hamburg's net.

The Centennials were helped by Anthony Pullia, who had one goal. Pullia scored 15:46 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Ayr. Ayr also got a goal from Mackenzie Kemp as well. In addition, Ayr received assists from Jake Whibbs and Austin Kovrig, who each chipped in one.

Ryan Purcell recorded 32 saves for the Firebirds. New Hamburg incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Ayr's Rawski stopped 28 shots out of the 31 that he faced. The Centennials incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.