The Luverne Cardinals had trouble finding ways to stop the Hermantown Hawks, which beat Cardinals, 6-3.

The win gave Hermantown a 1-0 lead in the best of one series.

The Hawks were led by Luke Jacques, who racked up one goal. Jacques scored 14:03 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Hermantown. Parker Hawk provided the assist.

In a losing effort, Luverne was led by Gunnar Olson, who tallied two goals. Olson scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 9:01 into the first period to make the score 1-1. A hooking penalty on Eric Gotz had put the Cardinals on the power play. Jaxon Nelson assisted on the tally. Olson's next tally on the power play made the score 3-2 Hermantown with 12:56 left in the second period. Luverne had taken the advantage when Hermantown's Wyatt Arnold got sent off for slashing. Chaz Smedsrud picked up the assist.

The Hawks forced the Cardinals goalie Kendall Meyer to work between the pipes, taking 48 shots. Hermantown's penalty kill was ineffective, and let in two goals to Luverne's power play unit.

Hermantown also got points from Kyle Amundson, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points and Cole Koepke, who also registered one goal and one assist. Nate Pionk also scored for Hermantown. In addition, Hermantown received assists from Ryan Kero, who had one and Kori Ochs, who had two.

Luverne also got a goal from Jackson Frankenhoff as well. More assists for Luverne came via Andrew Verhey and Toby Sengvongxay, who each chipped in one.

Adam Smith made 23 saves for the Hawks on 26 shots. Hermantown incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Meyer recorded 42 saves for the Cardinals. Luverne incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.