The Cumberland Grads tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Hawkesbury Hawks held on for a 4-3 victory.
Hawkesbury made the score 4-1 on a goal by Brandon Barillaro at 5:19 in the second period, and Cumberland got as close as 4-3 when DAndre John scored 12:30 into the third period.
The Hawks were sparked by Jonathan Tecce, who finished with one goal. Tecce scored 18:03 into the first period to make the score 1-1.
Hawkesbury excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances. The Hawks forced the Grads goalie Ryan Coughlin to work between the pipes, taking 36 shots.
Hawkesbury also had goals scored by Jonathan Cyr and Alex Anderson, who scored one goal each. In addition, Hawkesbury received assists from Tom Nicholson, who had one.
Cumberland's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six Hawkesbury power plays. The Grads kept Hawkesbury's goalie busy throughout the game, and Jesse Michel made 32 saves on 35 shots.
Cumberland also got a goal from Cody Kyle as well. Other players who recorded assists for Cumberland were Shawn Cameron, Ted McCabe, and Martin Frechette, who each chipped in one.
The Hawks incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Coughlin rejected 32 shots on goal for Cumberland. The Grads incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.
