The New Hamburg Firebirds almost clawed their way back from a three-goal deficit, but the Norwich Merchants managed to pull out a 4-2 win in the end.

Norwich led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Merchants' Riley Monture scored at 5:20 in the second period to put Norwich up 3-0.

The win gave the Merchants a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Norwich got the win behind a great game by Jamie Kelly, who had two goals and one assist. Kelly scored the first of his two goals at 18:37 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Norwich. Kelly's next tally made the score 4-2 Norwich with 51 seconds left in the third period.

New Hamburg's power play was ineffective against the Merchants' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Norwich's offense rang up 33 shots on the Firebirds' net.

Norwich also got a goal from Mitchell Berzins as well. In addition, Norwich received assists from Braeden Shand, who had one.

New Hamburg excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in seven chances. The Firebirds kept the Merchants' goalie busy throughout the game, and Patrick Maziarz made 31 saves on 33 shots.

New Hamburg was helped by Carter Tracey, who had one goal. Tracey scored on the power play 13:36 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Norwich. The Firebirds had taken the advantage when Norwich's Troy Lamoure got sent off for holding. Andrew Boer assisted on the tally. Brandon Quan also scored for New Hamburg. Other players who recorded assists for New Hamburg were Colin Martin, who had one.

The Merchants incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. New Hamburg's Tanner Topham stopped 29 shots out of the 32 that he faced. The Firebirds incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.