The Chicago Hitmen tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Traverse City North Stars held on for a 3-1 victory.

Traverse City made the score 3-0 on a goal by Chris Leibinger at 1:36 in the third period, and Chicago got as close as 3-1 when Shigenobu Kakudate scored 3:02 into the third period.

The Hitmen were stymied by the North Stars netminder Zach Nagelvoort, who stopped 25 shots during the victory. Nagelvoort certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.35 entering the contest.

Traverse City stifled Chicago's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. By firing 23 shots on goal, the North Stars exceeded the 17.4 shots they average per game this year.

Traverse City was helped by Will Badner, who finished with one goal. Badner scored 19:29 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Traverse City. Traverse City additionally got points from Mitchell Snider, who also racked up one goal and one assist. In addition, Traverse City received assists from Conor Durgan and Kyle Froese, who contributed one a piece.

The Hitmen's offense was clicking better than usual and put 26 shots on goal during the game, better than the 22.1 shots per game they average.

Other players who recorded assists for Chicago were Steven Sherman and Joey Haydock, who each chipped in one.

The North Stars incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Nick Kohn rejected 20 shots on goal for Chicago. The Hitmen incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.