The Hamilton Steelhawks climbed out of a two-goal hole to beat the Thorold Athletics, 4-3.

Hamilton never led in the game until netting the game winner. The Steelhawks trailed 3-1 after a goal by Thorold's Derek Nichols at 19:04 in the first period. Hamilton knotted things up at 3-3 on a goal by Gary Clarke at 3:42 in the second period. The Steelhawks netted the game winner at 7:38 in the third period on a goal by Clarke.

Clarke had two goals to lead Hamilton to victory.

The Steelhawks excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. Hamilton forced the Athletics goalie Frank Novello to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.

Others who scored for Hamilton included Colin Isnor and Cole McNeil, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Hamilton were Scott Peckford and Kevin Rebelo, who contributed one each and Ben Walsh and Steve Guzzo, who each chipped in two.

Thorold's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Hamilton power plays. The Athletics kept the Steelhawks' goalie busy throughout the game, and Ben Goss made 40 saves on 43 shots.

Thorold was led by Joe Christiano, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Christiano scored 11:03 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Thorold. Reid Lesswing assisted on the tally. Thorold also got points from Brad Jackson, who also had one goal and one assist. More assists for Thorold came via Tommy Barcz and John Falzoi, who contributed one each.

Hamilton incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Novello recorded 33 saves for the Athletics. Thorold incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.