The Norwood Vipers came close to giving away a four-goal lead to the Whitby Dunlops, but did just enough to escape with a 5-3 victory.

Norwood led by four goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Vipers' Chris Johnston scored at 1:04 in the second period to put Norwood up 4-0.

Darren Doherty had two goals and one assist to lead the Vipers. Doherty scored the first of his two goals at 8:34 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Norwood. Johnston provided the assist. Doherty's next tally made the score 5-3 Norwood with 12:34 left in the third period. Phil Darrington picked up the assist.

Norwood's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Whitby power plays. Whitby was unable to stop the Vipers from sending pucks towards the net, and Norwood eventually piled up 37 shots on goal. The Vipers' goal total was higher than their season average. This season, Norwood averages 2.9 goals per contest. The defensemen of the Vipers were also effective in the Dunlops' zone, and came away with two goals.

Norwood additionally got points from Johnston, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Mike Hanna, who also registered two goals and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Norwood were Murray Free, who had two and Joe Curry and Mark Prentice, who contributed one each.

Whitby put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Norwood to score on any of its three power plays. The Dunlops were held below their usual level of production. Whitby averages 6.4 goals per game. The Dunlops forced the Vipers goalie David DiGironimo to work between the pipes, taking 58 shots.

Whitby was helped by Greg Leyden, who had one goal and one assist. Leyden scored 9:13 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Norwood. Matt Salituro assisted on the tally. Whitby also got points from Patrick Jobb, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Kyle Musselman also scored for Whitby. In addition, Whitby received assists from Chris Gour and Brett McConnachie, who each chipped in one.

Norwood's DiGironimo stopped 55 shots out of the 58 that he faced. The Vipers incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Jason Guy made 32 saves for the Dunlops on 37 shots. Whitby incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.