The Wellesley Applejacks relied on the sparkling performance of Josh Heer in net to grab a 3-1 win against the Norwich Merchants.

With the win, Wellesley evened the series at 1-1 in the best of seven showdown.

Norwich's power play was ineffective against the Applejacks' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Wellesley was sparked by Blake Hetherington, who registered one goal and one assist. Hetherington scored 2:29 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Wellesley.

The Applejacks excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in seven chances.

Wellesley also had goals scored by Luke Rose and Devon Wagner, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Wellesley were Jake Ariss and Taylor Doering, who each chipped in one.

The Merchants put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Wellesley to score on any of its five power plays. Norwich forced the Applejacks goalie Heer to work between the pipes, taking 44 shots.

The Merchants were led by Drake Morrell, who scored the team's only goal. Morrell scored 13:37 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Mitchell Berzins assisted on the tally.

Heer recorded 43 saves for Wellesley. The Applejacks incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Patrick Maziarz made 23 saves for Norwich on 25 shots. The Merchants incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.