The Exeter Hawks, who led by three goals at one point, survived a comeback attempt by the Thamesford Trojans and clinched a 5-4 victory.

Exeter led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Hawks' Liam Melady scored on the power play at 8:27 in the second period to put Exeter up 4-1.

The win by the Hawks broke a deadlock and gave Exeter a 2-1 advantage in the best of seven series.

Chase Thornton had two goals and two assists to lead the Hawks. Thornton scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 4:36 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Exeter. Exeter had gotten the advantage when Thamesford's Dylan Black was sent off for slashing. Matt Clarke assisted on the tally. Thornton's next tally on the power play made the score 2-0 Exeter with 16 seconds left in the first period. Trevor Thornton picked up the assist.

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

Exeter forced Thamesford goalie Tyler Gubesch to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots.

Exeter additionally got points from Melady, who also grabbed two goals and one assist. Max Naus also scored for Exeter. In addition, Exeter received assists from Austin Elkin and Brett Dyck, who contributed one each.

The Trojans were led by Cole Chilvers, who had two goals and one assist. Chilvers scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 30 seconds into the second period to make the score 2-1 Exeter. Dakota Hill provided the assist. Chilvers' next tally on the power play made the score 5-5 with 13 seconds left in the third period. Matthew Smallman assisted on the tally. Others who scored for Thamesford included Liam Billings, Ben Kirwin, and Brett Duncan, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Thamesford were James Toye and Jack Saunders, who each chipped in one.

James Morreau recorded 17 saves for the Hawks. Exeter incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Tyler Gubesch made 38 saves for Thamesford on 43 shots. The Trojans incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.