The Port Hope Panthers gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Deseronto Storm.

No lead was more than one goal during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Dylan Baxter at 13:50 of the third period.

Cameron McGill was all over the ice for Port Hope, as he registered two goals in the win. McGill found the back of the net on the power play 12:34 into the second period to make the score 1-1 and again while short handed 9:44 into the third to make the score 2-2.

The Panthers could not produce up to their normal offensive output. Port Hope puts an average of 5.4 pucks into the net per game. Deseronto was unable to stop the Panthers from sending pucks towards the net, and Port Hope eventually piled up 44 shots on goal. The Panthers had trouble converting on the power play advantage, managing just one goal on 13 chances.

More assists for Port Hope came via Jacob Spicer and Liam Rowe, who contributed one each.

The Storm's penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 12 minors and one major for 49 minutes in penalty time. Deseronto surpassed its season average of 39.0 penalty minutes per game.

The Storm were helped by Jared Boomhower, who racked up one goal. Boomhower scored short handed 14:48 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Deseronto. A spearing call on Brett Maracle put Deseronto on the penalty kill. Brodie Maracle picked up the assist. Deseronto also got a goal from Logan Elliott as well. In addition, Deseronto received assists from Mitchell Thompson, who had one.

Alce Brown made eight saves before being replaced by Branson Schell, who took the win and made eight saves. Port Hope incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. Matt Loveys made 41 saves for the Storm on 44 shots. Deseronto registered one goal on five power play opportunities. For the Storm, Mike Holden was ejected from the game.