The Cambridge Winter Hawks tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Elmira Sugar Kings held on for a 3-2 victory.

A goal by Mitch Wright put Elmira up 3-1 in the second period, but Cambridge pulled to within one on Stephen Jablonski's tally 4:39 into the third period.

The Winter Hawks' power play was ineffective against the Sugar Kings' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 18:20 into the third period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

Elmira's penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 23.0 minutes per game the Sugar Kings had been spending in the box.

Elmira also had goals scored by Alex Mutton and Mac Clutsam, who each put in one. In addition, Elmira received assists from Rob Kohli, who had two and Adam Brubacher, Mitch Klie, and Cash Seraphim, who contributed one each.

Cambridge's offense rang up 34 shots on Elmira's net.

The Winter Hawks were helped by Zack Hedley, who finished with one goal. Hedley scored 15:54 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Elmira. Ben St Marseille picked up the assist. More assists for Cambridge came via Zach Magwood, Jake Moggy, and Devin Shell, who each chipped in one.

Jonathan Reinhart recorded 32 saves for the Sugar Kings. Elmira registered two goals on five power play opportunities. For the Sugar Kings, Connor Hall was ejected from the game. Lucas Machalski made 23 saves for Cambridge on 26 shots. The Winter Hawks ended with 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major. Cambridge ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Shell was ejected from the game.