The New Hamburg Firebirds survived a determined comeback attempt by the Ayr Centennials on the way to a 4-2 win.

New Hamburg made the score 4-1 on a goal by Carter Tracey at 14:32 in the second period, and Ayr got as close as 4-2 when Mackenzie Kemp scored 13:17 into the third period.

The Firebirds were paced by Tyler Randerson, who racked up one goal. Randerson scored on the power play 12:36 into the second period to make the score 3-1 New Hamburg. New Hamburg had gained a power play chance when Sean Mitchell was whistled for holding. Tyler Hoffman provided the assist.

The Firebirds put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Centennials to score on any of their four power plays. New Hamburg forced Ayr goalie Ryan Hergott to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.

New Hamburg also got points from Chris Eckert, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Tracey, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Mario Alyas also scored for New Hamburg. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from Ethan Adair, Jerry Ennett, and Walker Davison, who contributed one each.

The Centennials' offense operated below their season average. Ayr averages 6.3 goals per game. The Firebirds were unable to stop the Centennials from sending pucks towards the net, and Ayr eventually piled up 38 shots on goal.

The Centennials were helped by Cash Seraphim, who registered one goal. Seraphim scored 4:59 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Ayr. Mitch Klie assisted on the tally. More assists for Ayr came via Quinn Diamond and Logan Beechey, who each chipped in one.

Ryan Purcell recorded 36 saves for New Hamburg. The Firebirds totaled 33 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 2-for-5 on the power play. For New Hamburg, Andrew Boer was ejected from the game. Ayr's Hergott stopped 27 shots out of the 31 that he faced. The Centennials ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. For Ayr, Seraphim and Jordan Pettitt were ejected from the contest.