The Hopkins Royals took the lead against the Cloquet Esko Carlton Lumberjacks in the first period and maintained it until the end of the game to secure a tight 5-3 victory.

A goal 13:54 into the the first period by Matt Hines proved to be the game winner, and powered Hopkins to the victory The Royals had gained a power play chance when Jared Shevich was whistled for hooking. Joshua Laven provided the assist.

Jim Copouls was all over the ice for Hopkins, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Copouls scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 7:25 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Hopkins. A hooking penalty on Dalton Johnson had put the Royals on the power play. Laven picked up the assist. Copouls' next tally on the power play made the score 5-3 Hopkins with 4:28 left in the third period.

Penalties took their toll on Hopkins, as its penalty kill unit let in two power play goals. The Royals' offense was clicking better than usual and put 31 shots on goal during the game, better than the 4.1 shots per game they average.

Hopkins also got a goal from Jonah Shoemaker-Gagnon as well. More assists for Hopkins came via Ryan Kimbrel and Matthew Koch, who contributed one a piece.

Cloquet Esko Carlton could not produce up to it normal offensive output. The Lumberjacks put an average of 6.0 pucks into the net per game. Cloquet Esko Carlton's penalty kill unit could not stop Hopkins' power play, which converted on two of three opportunities. With 49 shots on target during the contest, the Lumberjacks exceeded the 3.9 shots they average per game this year.

Cloquet Esko Carlton was led by Weston Michaud, who had one goal and two assists. Michaud scored on the power play 6:20 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Hopkins. The Lumberjacks earned a power play opportunity when Kimbrel was put in the box for hooking. Drew Dincau assisted on the tally. Cloquet Esko Carlton also got points from Beau Michaud, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Karson Kuhlman also scored for Cloquet Esko Carlton. In addition, Cloquet Esko Carlton received assists from Tanner Robideaux, who had one.

Sam Dalton recorded 46 saves for the Royals. Hopkins incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Justin Ketola made 26 saves for Cloquet Esko Carlton on 31 shots. The Lumberjacks incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.