The Ayr Centennials came close to giving away a three-goal lead to the Norwich Merchants, but did just enough to escape with a 6-4 victory.

Ayr led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Centennials' Anthony Pullia scored at 19:31 in the third period to put Ayr up 7-4.

The win gave the Centennials a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Pullia was all over the ice for Ayr, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Pullia scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 4:34 into the third period to make the score 5-3 Ayr. The Centennials had gotten the advantage when Norwich's Alex Daley was sent off for cross checking. Andrew Richard picked up the assist. Pullia's next tally on the power play made the score 7-4 Ayr with 29 seconds left in the third period. Mackenzie Kemp provided the assist.

Ayr's penalty kill excelled, as the Centennials gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.

Ayr stifled the Merchants' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Centennials kept Norwich's goalie busy throughout the game, and Jesse Schoeman made 43 saves on 49 shots.

Ayr additionally got points from Connor MacLean, who also had one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Ayr included Quinn Diamond, who had two and Jeff Howlett and Felix Lantaigne, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Ayr were Austin Kovrig, who had one and Eric Hackborn, who had three.

Ayr was unable to stop the Merchants from sending pucks towards the net, and Norwich eventually piled up 34 shots on goal.

The Merchants were led by Jamie Kelly, who registered three goals. Ryan Dayman AP also scored for Norwich. More assists for Norwich came via Kurtis Lavis, who had two and Mitchell Berzins and Jesse Szabo, who contributed one each.

The Centennials' Andre Keire stopped 30 shots out of the 34 that he faced. Ayr incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Norwich incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. For the Merchants, Berzins was ejected from the game.