The Prairie Centre North Stars tried their best to erase a four-goal deficit, but the Willmar Cardinals would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 6-4.

Willmar made the score 6-2 on a goal by Joey Lee at 12:49 in the third period, and Prairie Centre got as close as 6-4 when Trent Berscheit scored 13:33 into the third period.

The Cardinals' offense was sparked by Cole Hagen, as he ended with four assists in a victory against the North Stars.

Willmar put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Prairie Centre to score on any of its three power plays. The Cardinals' offense rang up 38 shots on the North Stars' net. Willmar bested its season scoring average. The Cardinals have scored at the pace of 3.6 goals per game during the current campaign. Willmar's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Willmar additionally got points from TJ Mattison, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Willmar also got a goal from Zech Streed as well. More assists for Willmar came via Hunter Mottinger and Trey Tollefson, who contributed one a piece.

Prairie Centre surpassed its usual scoring output this season. This season, the North Stars average 1.8 goal per contest. Prairie Centre got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed three goals during the game.

The North Stars were led by Zack Pierskalla, who finished with two goals. Pierskalla scored the first of his two goals at 14:35 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Willmar. Cody Steward provided the assist. Pierskalla's next tally made the score 2-2 with 19:52 left in the second period. Steward picked up the assist. Prairie Centre also got points from Preston Pung, who also tallied one goal and one assist.

The Cardinals' Joe Benson stopped 15 shots out of the 19 that he faced. Willmar totaled 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play. Clay Deters made 32 saves for Prairie Centre on 38 shots. The North Stars incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.