Nicholas Murphy netted a hat trick to lead xSoo Firehawks over zTraverse City Hounds, 8-2.

Murphy's first goal came 18:31 into the first period. He then added goals at 2:37 into the second and at 5:18 into the third.

xSoo Firehawks' defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

xSoo Firehawks additionally got points from Andrew Holder, who also finished with two goals and one assist, Steven Smoltz, who also racked up two goals and one assist, and Tyler Jones, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for xSoo Firehawks were Justin Garton and Ryan Marshall, who each chipped in one and Connor McNary, Matthew MacLaren, and Cody Anderson, who contributed two a piece.

zTraverse City Hounds was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and one major for 33 minutes in penalty time. zTraverse City Hounds had been averaging 26.0 minutes in penalties per game. zTraverse City Hounds could not produce up to it normal offensive output. zTraverse City Hounds averages 5.4 goals per game. zTraverse City Hounds forced xSoo Firehawks goalie Anthony Benvenuti to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots. zTraverse City Hounds' normally stingy defense allowed more goals than usual. zTraverse City Hounds is averaging 2.1 goals against for the season.

zTraverse City Hounds was helped by Kevin Miloser, who had one goal. Miloser scored 1:00 into the second period to make the score 3-2 xSoo Firehawks. Josh Smith provided the assist. Tyler Thirlby also scored for zTraverse City Hounds. In addition, zTraverse City Hounds received assists from Vaughn Clouston, Premysl Synek, and Matthew Passino, who each chipped in one.

xSoo Firehawks' Benvenuti stopped 29 shots out of the 31 that he faced. xSoo Firehawks totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-6 on the power play. Bryce Goulah made 22 saves for zTraverse City Hounds on 30 shots. zTraverse City Hounds registered zero goals on two power play opportunities.