A hat trick by Justin Howell was the highlight in Governors' 12-1 win against the North Branch Vikings.

Howell notched his first tally 6:16 into the first period. He then added goals at 10:39 into the first and at 5:52 into the third.

The St. Paul Johnson Governors led 5-0 after the opening frame the first period and maintained a healthy margin after.

St. Paul Johnson excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances. The Governors' goal total was higher than their season average. This season, St. Paul Johnson averages 3.3 goals per contest.

St. Paul Johnson also got points from Tyler Willier, who also tallied one goal and one assist, Jeremy Lyons, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Luke Ranum, who also registered three goals and one assist, and Mitchell Feske, who also had one goal and one assist. Taylor Bennett also scored for St. Paul Johnson. More assists for St. Paul Johnson came via Matthew Blees, who had two and Christian Sanda, Thomas Murphy, and Jonah Kremer, who contributed one a piece.

North Branch found itself stymied offensively, and got off a mere 13 shots against the Governors' defense.

Samuel Moberg made 12 saves for St. Paul Johnson on 13 shots. The Governors incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Tyler Byrkit rejected 18 shots on goal for the Vikings. North Branch incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.