Undaunted by a two-goal deficit, the Hermantown Hawks battled back to claim a 3-2 victory over the Hopkins Royals.

Hermantown never led in the game until netting the game winner. The Hawks was down 2-0 after a power play goal by Hopkins' Joshua Laven at 6:51 in the first period. Hermantown tied things up at 2-2 on a goal by Jared Zeleznikar at 11:40 in the first period. The Hawks scored the game winner on the power play at 10:55 in the second period on a goal by Zeleznikar.

Hermantown was sparked by Christian Wasbotten, who had one goal.

The Hawks' offense operated below they season average. Hermantown puts an average of 7.8 pucks into the net per game. The Hawks forced the Royals goalie Josh Kuehmichel to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

Neal Pionk also scored for Hermantown. More assists for Hermantown came via Grant Sega, who had one.

The 16 shots that Hopkins put on net surpassed the Royals' average of 5.1 shots per game this season.

Hopkins was helped by Collin Sween, who tallied one goal. Sween scored 5:05 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Hopkins. Anthony Degiulio provided the assist. In addition, Hopkins received assists from Ryan Kimbrel, who had one.

Adam Smith recorded 14 saves for Hermantown. The Hawks incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. The Royals' Kuehmichel stopped 40 shots out of the 43 that he faced. Hopkins totaled 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play.