The Duluth Denfeld Hunters tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Orono Spartans would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-2.

Orono took a 3-1 lead during the second period, only to have Duluth Denfeld storm back on a Wyatt Wutz goal 5:05 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Spartans were sparked by Wil Horoshak, who racked up one goal and one assist. Horoshak scored 9:19 into the second period to make the score Orono. Nick Schroeder picked up the assist.

Orono stifled the Hunters' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Duluth Denfeld was unable to stop the Spartans from sending pucks towards the net, and Orono eventually piled up 31 shots on goal.

Noah Schultz also scored for Orono. Other players who recorded assists for Orono were Jake Flemmer, Will LeNeave, and Gavin Payne, who contributed one a piece.

The Hunters forced their penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up nine minors and one major for 33 minutes in penalty time. Duluth Denfeld had been averaging 26.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Hunters' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on nine Orono power plays. By firing 29 shots on goal, Duluth Denfeld exceeded the 0.5 shots it averages per game this year.

The Hunters were helped by Trey Opack, who tallied one goal. Opack scored 13:29 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Duluth Denfeld. Levi Talarico assisted on the tally. In addition, Duluth Denfeld received assists from Steven Maciver and Nick Thompson, who each chipped in one.

The Spartans' Ryan Breon stopped 27 shots out of the 29 that he faced. Orono ended with 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. For the Spartans, Danny Willson was ejected from the game. Zach Thompson recorded 28 saves for Duluth Denfeld. The Hunters registered zero goals on five power play opportunities. Duluth Denfeld ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Alex Thomspon was ejected from the game.