Brampton had to go right to the wire to earn the win; the margin of victory in the 10-9 victory came on Mike Burke's goal with 35 seconds to play. Burke had 2 goals and 3 assists to lead the Excels while defender Robert Koger chipped in a pair of first-period goals.
Brampton led 6-3 after one period but the Kodiaks fought back with a 3-1 second period then took an 8-7 lead when they scored the first two goals of the third. Brampton moved back in front with a pair, Sandy Chapman converting in transition then Brandon Benn scoring on the power play at 16:35.
The lead was short-lived, though, as Joey Cupido scored his second of the game (to go with 2 assists) just 22 second later. That tied the game and ultimately set the stage for Burke's heroics, which ensure the Excelsiors a spot in the playoffs while officially eliminating the Kodiaks from postseason contention.
