Gus Ford had two goals and one assist to lead the Norwich Merchants to a 5-2 victory over the New Hamburg Firebirds.

Ford found the back of the net 6:09 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Norwich and again while on the power play 10:28 into the second to make the score 4-2 Norwich.

Norwich's penalty kill excelled, as the Merchants gave up zero goals despite allowing eight power plays.

Norwich stifled New Hamburg's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Merchants' offense rang up 34 shots on the Firebirds' net.

Norwich also had goals scored by Drake Morrell, who had one and Dalton Riley, who had two. More assists for Norwich came via Jesse Cave, Braeden Shand, Brandon Zimmermann, and Zach Core, who each chipped in one.

New Hamburg kept Norwich's goalie busy throughout the game, and Matt McGonigle made 30 saves on 32 shots. The defense for the Firebirds tightened up when they had players in the penalty box, as it let in one goal on 12 the Merchants power plays. New Hamburg was forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as it racked up 39 penalty minutes.

The Firebirds were helped by Sean Kienapple, who finished with two goals. Kienapple scored the first of his two goals at 8:51 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Nick Pope assisted on the tally. Kienapple's next tally made the score 2-2 with 18:34 left in the second period. Pope picked up the assist. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from Kyle Mohr, who had one.

Norwich ended with 23 minutes in penalty time with nine minors and one major. Eric Peicheff made 29 saves for New Hamburg on 33 shots. The Firebirds ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Mike DAloisio was ejected from the game.