Daniel Hnatko netted a hat trick to lead the Hanover Barons over the Mitchell Hawks, 5-2.

Hnatko got on the scoresheet 12:57 into the first period. He then added goals at 37 seconds into the third and at 4:19 into the third.

With the win, Hanover evened the series at 1-1 in the best of seven showdown.

Mitchell's power play was ineffective against the Barons' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Both teams had a hard time staying out of the box, and they combined for 18 penalties during the game.

Hanover found itself short handed often, totaling 46 penalty minutes and allowing 13 power plays. The leading offender was Hayden Smith, who totaled 28 minutes in penalty time with four minors and two misconducts.

Hanover additionally got points from Hnatko, who also finished with three goals and one assist and Jason Demetrius, who also grabbed one goal and three assists. Hanover got a goal from Ben Davis as well. More assists for Hanover came via Jacob Brown, Rob Lucciantonio, and Brad Pitt, who each chipped in one.

Hanover also got points from. Davis also scored for Hanover. In addition, Hanover received assists from.

The Hawks could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 30 minutes in penalties during the game. The leading offender was Tyler Masson, who totaled 12 minutes in penalty time with one minor and one misconduct.

Mitchell was helped by Jacob Patterson, who racked up one goal and one assist. Patterson scored 4:38 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Jalen Aitcheson assisted on the tally. Mitchell additionally got points from Aitcheson, who also had one goal and one assist. More assists for Mitchell came via Jeff McArdle, who had one.

Mitchell also got points from. Other players who recorded assists for Mitchell were.

Mitch Campbell made 16 saves for the Barons on 18 shots. Hanover registered three goals on 11 power play opportunities. The Barons ran into disciplinary problems during the contest, and Smith was ejected from the game. Drew Reinhardt turned away 23 pucks between the pipes for the Hawks.

For Hanover, Smith was ejected from the game.