The New Hamburg Firebirds' Nick Pope scored 1:26 into overtime to beat the Norwich Merchants, 5-4 (OT).

The win by New Hamburg broke a deadlock and gave the Firebirds a 2-1 advantage in the best of seven series.

New Hamburg overcame a two-goal deficit to capture the victory. The Firebirds trailed 3-1 after a goal by Norwich's Cole Vinnai at 1:23 in the second period. New Hamburg tied things up at 4-4 on a goal by Blake Jordan at 16:12 in the third period.

Pope had one goal and three assists to lead the Firebirds.

New Hamburg kept the Merchants' goalie busy throughout the game, and Matt McGonigle made 30 saves on 35 shots. The Firebirds found themselves short handed often, totaling 30 penalty minutes and allowing 10 power plays.

New Hamburg also got points from Kory Nowak, who also had one goal and one assist. Brett Heaman also scored for New Hamburg. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from Brandon Yantzi, who had two and Mike DAloisio, Jay DAguilar, and Brock Yantzi, who each chipped in one.

New Hamburg was unable to stop Norwich from sending pucks towards the net, and the Merchants eventually piled up 40 shots on goal.

Norwich was led by Bryan Phillips, who finished with one goal and one assist. Phillips scored on the power play 9:20 into the first period to make the score 1-1. The Merchants had taken the advantage when the Firebirds' Jake Pleon got sent off for tripping. Tom Brady assisted on the tally. Norwich additionally got points from Curtis Logan, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Norwich also got a goal from Drake Morrell as well. Other players who recorded assists for Norwich were Todd Poirier, who had one.

Brodij Gerryts recorded 36 saves for New Hamburg. The Firebirds registered one goal on five power play opportunities. Norwich incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.