The Traverse City North Stars tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Chicago Hitmen would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-3.

Chicago made the score 4-2 on a goal by David Gandara at 13:38 in the third period, and Traverse City got as close as 4-3 when Will Badner scored 19:59 into the third period.

Gandara had one goal and two assists to lead the Hitmen.

Chicago put 36 shots on net during the contest, more than the 22.1 it averages per game.

Chicago additionally got points from Zach Mudge, who also registered one goal and two assists and Matt Cessna, who also grabbed one goal and two assists. Joey Haydock also scored for Chicago. Other players who recorded assists for Chicago were Alex Murphy and Mike Fazio, who contributed one a piece.

The North Stars relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Badner, Seth Adams and Mitchell Snider took 16 of the team's 31 shots.

Traverse City was helped by Chris Waterstreet, who finished with one goal. Waterstreet scored on the power play 4:55 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Traverse City. The North Stars had gotten the advantage when the Hitmen's Gandara was sent off for checking from behind. Michal Toman picked up the assist. Traverse City also got a goal from Conor Durgan as well. In addition, Traverse City received assists from Zack Dorer, who had one.

Ryan Coyne rejected 28 shots on goal for Chicago. The Hitmen totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play. Kyle Laslo recorded 32 saves for Traverse City. The North Stars incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.