A stellar performance between the pipes by Andrew Engelage helped Rittner Buam defeat SSI Vipiteno Weihenstephan, 3-1.

The win gave Rittner Buam a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Rittner Buam pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 12 penalty minutes.

Rittner Buam was led by Julian Kostner, who had one goal. Kostner scored 15:42 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Rittner Buam. Markus Spinell picked up the assist.

Others who scored for Rittner Buam included Dan Tudin and Mark Van Guilder, who scored one goal each. More assists for Rittner Buam came via Brad Cole and Christian Borgatello, who contributed one each.

SSI Vipiteno Weihenstephan stifled Rittner Buam's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

SSI Vipiteno Weihenstephan was led by Jason Walters, who scored the team's only goal. Walters scored 8:52 into the third period to make the score 1-1. Taylor Stefishen assisted on the tally.

Engelage recorded 29 saves for Rittner Buam. Rittner Buam registered zero goals on five power play opportunities. Dominik Steinmann made 29 saves for SSI Vipiteno Weihenstephan on 31 shots. SSI Vipiteno Weihenstephan incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.