In a game where neither team could get a cushion, NAHL 18 Selects escaped with a 3-2 victory over Dakota.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Brandon Hawkins secured the win for NAHL 18 Selects with a goal in the third period.

NAHL 18 Selects was sparked by Hawkins, who finished with one goal and one assist. Hawkins scored 16:48 into the third period to make the score 3-2 NAHL 18 Selects. Brian Williams assisted on the tally.

NAHL 18 Selects made Dakota's netminders to work in net, getting 40 shots and forcing 37 saves. Aaron Nelson made 17 stops and Nicholas Lehr made 20.

Scott Conway also scored for NAHL 18 Selects. More assists for NAHL 18 Selects came via Brandon Smith, CJ Smith, and Ruslan Pedan, who contributed one a piece.

Dakota put 55 shots on net during the contest, more than the 48.5 it averages per game.

Dakota was helped by Patrick Moore, who grabbed one goal. Moore scored 4:41 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Dakota. Adam Knochenmus provided the assist. Dakota also got a goal from Brandon Wahlin as well. Other players who recorded assists for Dakota were Drew Brevig, Justin Parizek, and Peter Krieger, who each chipped in one.

NAHL 18 Selects' starting goalie, Evan Cowley, made 24 saves and finished with the win before he was taken out in favor of Jason Pawloski, who stopped 29 shots. NAHL 18 Selects incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Dakota incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.