The Topeka Capitals tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Nashville Jr. Predators held on for a 3-2 victory.

A goal by Trent Kulczyk put Nashville up 3-0 in the second period, but Topeka pulled to within one on Alex Johanson's tally 8:52 into the third period.

In a losing effort, the Capitals were led by Johanson, who had two goals. Johanson scored the first of his two goals at 17:24 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Nashville. Dylan Wattles assisted on the tally. Johanson's next tally made the score 3-2 Nashville with 11:08 left in the third period. Benton Deanovich picked up the assist.

The Jr. Predators stifled Topeka's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Nashville was held below its usual level of production. The Jr. Predators average 5.2 goals per game.

Nashville was helped by Nick Mammel, who racked up one goal. Mammel scored 13:41 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Nashville. Matiss Gelazis assisted on the tally. Nashville additionally got points from Kulczyk, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Jesse Hyde also scored for Nashville. Other players who recorded assists for Nashville were Rudolfs Kalvitis, Ben Falk, and Dominic Costello, who each chipped in one.

The Capitals put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Jr. Predators to score on any of their four power plays. Topeka forced Nashville goalie Nathan Klebe to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots.

More assists for Topeka came via Ben Roth, who had one.

Klebe recorded 31 saves for the Jr. Predators. Nashville ended with 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Jacob Pelton made 21 saves for the Capitals on 24 shots. Topeka totaled 33 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 0-for-5 on the power play.