The New Hamburg Firebirds' Kory Nowak scored 15:48 into overtime to beat the Norwich Merchants, 4-3 (OT).

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

Norwich could not complete its climb out of a three-goal hole. The Firebirds made the score 3-0 on a power play goal by Sean Kienapple at 17:21 in the second period. The Merchants pulled to within 3-2 on a power play goal by Jakob Schira at 13:33 in the third period.

New Hamburg was led by Nowak, who finished with one goal.

Norwich was unable to stop the Firebirds from sending pucks towards the net, and New Hamburg eventually piled up 50 shots on goal. The Firebirds' penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as New Hamburg finished with 19 penalty minutes. The Firebirds were held back by their power play unit, which tallied two goals on 11 chances.

Damien Parent also scored for New Hamburg. More assists for New Hamburg came via Sam Murray, Brandon Yantzi, and Nick Pope, who contributed one a piece.

The Merchants could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 22 minutes in penalties during the game. Norwich got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

The Merchants were helped by Wes StAmand, who tallied one goal. StAmand scored 13:51 into the third period to make the score 3-3. Jake Jefferies provided the assist. In addition, Norwich received assists from Cole Vinnai, Todd Poirier, Curtis Logan, and Bryan Phillips, who each chipped in one.

New Hamburg's Brodij Gerryts stopped 26 shots out of the 29 that he faced. For the Firebirds, Jordan MacBeth was ejected from the game. Matt McGonigle rejected 46 shots on goal for Norwich. The Merchants registered two goals on eight power play opportunities.