The Markham Royals tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Aurora Tigers held on for a 5-4 victory.

Aurora took a 4-2 lead during the third period, only to have Markham storm back on a Marco Azzano goal 18:37 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Nolan Dunn had two goals and one assist to lead the Tigers. Dunn scored the first of his two goals at 1:54 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Aurora. Alex Formenton provided the assist. Dunn's next tally made the score 5-4 Aurora with zero seconds left in the third period. Liam Neuman picked up the assist.

Aurora's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Markham power plays. The Tigers kept the Royals' goalie busy throughout the game, and Marcus Semiao made 28 saves on 33 shots.

Aurora also got points from JD Falconer, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Formenton, who also had one goal and one assist. Aurora also got a goal from Drake Board as well. More assists for Aurora came via Austin Gerhart, who had two and Spencer Herbst, Daniel Mantenuto, and Liam Ham, who each chipped in one.

Markham excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. The Royals forced Aurora goalie Joshua Boyko to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots.

Brendan Valko also scored for Markham. In addition, Markham received assists from Sean Perichak, who had two and Jason OConnor, Matthew Dunlop, Jeff Joynt, Brett Markham, Joel Knight, and Tyson Bruce, who contributed one each.

Boyko rejected 31 shots on goal for the Tigers. Aurora incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Markham incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors.