In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Cumberland Grads escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Brockville Braves.
Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Michael Larose secured the win for Cumberland with a goal in the third period.
The Grads got the win on the strength of a great game by Larose, who had one goal and two assists. Larose scored 10:31 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Cumberland. Matthieu Franche provided the assist.
Brockville's power play was ineffective against Cumberland's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
The Grads kept the Braves' goalie busy throughout the game, and Henry Johnson made 32 saves on 36 shots. Cumberland's penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as the Grads finished with 22 penalty minutes.
Cumberland also got points from Shawn Cameron, who also tallied one goal and two assists. Others who scored for Cumberland included Branden Makara and Martin Frechette, who scored one goal each. In addition, Cumberland received assists from Ted McCabe, Cody Kyle, and DAndre John, who each chipped in one.
Cumberland was unable to stop Brockville from sending pucks towards the net, and the Braves eventually piled up 32 shots on goal. Brockville's defense was uncharacteristically lax during the game. The Braves average 1.7 goal allowed per game. Brockville could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 18 minutes in penalties during the game.
The Braves were helped by Andrew Jarvis, who had one goal. Jarvis scored 17:35 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Brockville. Liam Folkes assisted on the tally. Brockville also got a goal from Neil Robinson as well. More assists for Brockville came via Jack Billings, Vincenzo Renda, and Tre Folkes, who contributed one each.
Ryan Coughlin rejected 30 shots on goal for the Grads. Cumberland registered one goal on seven power play opportunities.
