The Willmar Cardinals gutted out a close 4-3 win against the Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Cole Block secured the win for Willmar with a goal in the third period.

The Cardinals were led by Block, who finished with one goal. Block scored 12:51 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Willmar. Hunter Schneider provided the assist.

Willmar's offense rang up 46 shots on Breckenridge/Wahpeton's net.

Willmar also got a goal from Austin Smith as well. Other players who recorded assists for Willmar were Hunter Mottinger, TJ Mattison, Josh Tinklenber, Tyler Pendill, and Ryan Woltjer, who contributed one a piece.

The Blades found themselves stymied offensively, and got off a mere 13 shots against the Cardinals' defense.

Breckenridge/Wahpeton was led by Aaron Neppl, who racked up one goal and one assist. Neppl scored on the power play 3:26 into the second period to make the score 2-2. The Blades had gained a power play chance when Zech Streed was whistled for boarding. Zach Reiff picked up the assist. Austin Hagstrom also scored for Breckenridge/Wahpeton. More assists for Breckenridge/Wahpeton came via Tyler Barth, who had one and Brett Pietron, who had two.

Joey Benson made 10 saves for Willmar on 13 shots. The Cardinals totaled seven minutes in penalty time with one minor and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play. Michael Withuski recorded 42 saves for Breckenridge/Wahpeton. The Blades totaled seven minutes in penalty time with one minor and one major and went 2-for-2 on the power play.