The Norwich Merchants were firing on all cylinders against the Wellesley Applejacks, and when the final buzzer sounded Merchants emerged with a 5-1 win.

After the loss made the series score 3-2 in the best of seven series, Wellesley faces elimination next time out.

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

The Merchants were led by Todd Kemp, who tallied one goal. Kemp scored 9:10 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Norwich. Brandon Zimmermann provided the assist.

Norwich forced Wellesley's goalies to work without much rest, finishing with 31 shots and forcing 26 saves. Josh Heer made 17 stops and Brayden Bruce made nine. The Merchants' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Wellesley power plays. Norwich's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Norwich also had goals scored by Derek Slaght, Todd Poirier, Drake Morrell, and Troy Lamoure, who each put in one. More assists for Norwich came via Nick Burdett, Kurtis Lavis, Mitchell Berzins, and Ryan Stephenson, who each chipped in one.

Alex Stoody also scored for Wellesley. In addition, Wellesley received assists from Devon Wagner and Brett MacDonald, who contributed one a piece.

Patrick Maziarz made 20 saves for the Merchants on 21 shots. Norwich incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. The Merchants ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Taylor Gosset was ejected from the game. The Applejacks incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. For Wellesley, Cody Tapsell was ejected from the game.