The St. Paul Johnson Governors could not stop the Crookston Pirates' Ryan Bittner, who tallied a hat trick in an 8-1 win.

Bittner got on the scoresheet 6:16 into the first period. He then added goals at 54 seconds into the second and at 12:42 into the second.

Crookston's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five St. Paul Johnson power plays. The Pirates forced St. Paul Johnson goalie Samuel Moberg to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots. Crookston bested its season scoring average. The Pirates average 5.8 goals per game. Crookston's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in four goals.

Crookston additionally got points from Chandler St. Michel, who also had one goal and one assist. Connor Morgan also scored for Crookston. More assists for Crookston came via Doug Larson, who had four, Ryan Edevold and Mikey Hajostek, who each chipped in one, and Dylan Klatt and Montell Tate, who contributed two a piece.

The Pirates' defense shut down the Governors' forwards for much of the game, and St. Paul Johnson got off only nine shots during the contest.

Adam Huglen rejected eight shots on goal for Crookston. The Pirates incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Moberg recorded 32 saves for the Governors. St. Paul Johnson ended with 17 minutes in penalty time with one minor and one major.