The Norwich Merchants tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Burford Bulldogs held on for a 3-2 victory.

Burford made the score 3-1 on a goal by Matt Zilke at 14:43 in the second period, and Norwich got as close as 3-2 when Jordan Gillis scored 19:25 into the third period.

The Bulldogs were paced by Zilke, who grabbed one goal.

Burford also got points from Jesse Brooks, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Burford also got a goal from Kurtis Christo as well. Other players who recorded assists for Burford were Tyler Mellish, Hayden Hellyer, David Denardi, and Mitch Randell, who each chipped in one.

The Merchants stifled Burford's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Norwich's offense rang up 42 shots on the Bulldogs' net.

The Merchants were helped by Brandon Velda, who finished with one goal. Velda scored on the power play 1:41 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Ray Munro picked up the assist. More assists for Norwich came via Derek Slaght, Zack Morrison, and Riley Monture, who contributed one each.

Michael Black made 40 saves for Burford on 42 shots. The Bulldogs incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors. Norwich's Andrew Lefebvre stopped 20 shots out of the 23 that he faced. The Merchants incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors.