The Hamilton Bulldogs defeated the Niagara IceDogs 3-2 in regulation in their Club Friendly Games meeting, with the decisive goal coming at 55:00. After a chaotic first period that ended level at 2-2, Hamilton tightened up and controlled the late stages.
Niagara struck first at 3:00, but the Bulldogs answered at 8:00 and 11:00 to seize a 2-1 lead. The IceDogs pulled even at 19:00, sending the teams to the first intermission tied. Neither side scored in the second period, leaving the game open before Hamilton's winner midway through the third.
The difference was defensive structure: the Bulldogs held Niagara off the scoresheet over the final 40 minutes. Five goals were scored in total, four of them in the opening frame, before Hamilton landed the fifth and deciding goal at 55:00.