The Austin Bruins and the Bismarck Bobcats were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Austin made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-3.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and AJ Reid's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

Reid was all over the ice for the Bruins, as he tallied one goal and three assists in the win. Reid scored 15:44 into the second period to make the score 4-3 Austin. Brandon Wahlin provided the assist.

By firing 30 shots on goal, Austin exceeded the 26.9 shots it averages per game this year.

Others who scored for Austin included Jeremy Finger, who had two and John Simonson and John Kirby, who scored one goal each. In addition, Austin received assists from Matt Hansen, who had one, Jonathan Gehrt, who had two, and Charlie Adams, who had three.

Bismarck forced the Bruins goalie Tyler Bruggeman to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots. The Bobcats' defensemen bolstered Bismarck's offensive attack, as they bombarded Bruggeman with 13 shots.

The Bobcats were led by Daniel Zawacki, who tallied two goals. Zawacki scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 5:40 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Bismarck. A checking from behind penalty on Connor Quinn had put Bismarck on the power play. Adam Knochenmus assisted on the tally. Zawacki's next tally on the power play made the score 2-0 Bismarck with 11:25 left in the first period. Danny Ray provided the assist. Bismarck also got a goal from Daniel Kovar as well. Other players who recorded assists for Bismarck were Donald Olivieri and Patrick Moore, who contributed one a piece.

Austin's Bruggeman stopped 28 shots out of the 31 that he faced. The Bruins incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Tommy Burke made 25 saves for the Bobcats on 30 shots. Bismarck incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.