The New Hamburg Firebirds and the Norwich Merchants were evenly matched throughout their contest, but New Hamburg made the most of its opportunities and won, 4-3.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Taylor Wood's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

After the loss made the series score 1-3 in the best of seven series, Norwich faces elimination next time out.

The Firebirds were led by Nick Pope, who registered one goal. Pope scored 15:56 into the second period to make the score 4-2 New Hamburg.

New Hamburg kept the Merchants' goalie busy throughout the game, and Matt McGonigle made 35 saves on 39 shots. The Firebirds had trouble converting on the power play advantage, managing just two goals on nine chances.

New Hamburg also got a goal from Kory Nowak as well. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from Mike DAloisio, Jay DAguilar, and Blake Jordan, who each chipped in one.

Norwich could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 28 minutes in penalties during the game.

New Hamburg's Brodij Gerryts stopped 22 shots out of the 25 that he faced. The Firebirds incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. The Merchants registered two goals on seven power play opportunities.