The Tavistock Braves gutted out a close 5-3 win against the New Hamburg Firebirds.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and James McHugh secured the win for Tavistock with a goal in the second period.

McHugh was all over the ice for the Braves, as he grabbed two goals in the win.

Tavistock's penalty kill excelled, as the Braves gave up one goal despite allowing 10 power plays.

Tavistock racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 11 minors and one major for 37 minutes in penalty time. The Braves surpassed its season average of 30.0 penalty minutes per game. Tavistock kept New Hamburg's goalie busy throughout the game, and Ryan Purcell made 48 saves on 53 shots.

Tavistock also got points from Ocean Check, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Tavistock included Jordy Schneider and Derek Hyde, who scored one goal each. In addition, Tavistock received assists from Braedon Hancock, who had two and Jared Yantzi, Cody Bateman, Jamie Shoemaker, and Josh Borys, who each chipped in one.

The Firebirds' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled nine minors and one major for 33 minutes in penalty time. New Hamburg had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Firebirds' offense rang up 49 shots on the Braves' net.

New Hamburg was led by Tyler Hoffman, who registered one goal and one assist. Hoffman scored 2:47 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Tavistock. Jerry Ennett provided the assist. New Hamburg additionally got points from Ethan Adair, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Colin Martin also scored for New Hamburg. More assists for New Hamburg came via Tyler Randerson, Andrew Boer, and Walker Davison, who contributed one each.

Ben Larder rejected 46 shots on goal for Tavistock. The Braves registered two goals on eight power play opportunities. Tavistock ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Tayler Trachsel was ejected from the game. For the Firebirds, Carter Tracey was ejected from the game.