In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Mitchell Hawks escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Hanover Barons.

Mitchell gained the winning advantage on a goal by Jade Maxwell 7:44 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

The win by the Hawks broke a deadlock and gave Mitchell a 2-1 advantage in the best of seven series.

The Hawks put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Hanover to score on any of its five power plays.

Mitchell additionally got points from Brent Rae, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Mitchell also got a goal from Matt Van DeWalle as well.

The Barons forced Mitchell goalie Ben Nelson to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.

Hanover was helped by Jason Demetrius, who racked up two goals. Demetrius scored the first of his two goals short handed at 2:22 into the second period to make the score 1-0 Hanover. The Barons were on a disadvantage when Matt Drake went off the ice for high sticking. Robbie Moe picked up the assist. Demetrius' next tally short handed made the score 2-2 with 1:45 left in the second period. Drake assisted on the tally.

Ben Nelson made 30 saves for the Hawks on 32 shots. Mitchell incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Hanover's Mitch Campbell stopped 24 shots out of the 27 that he faced. The Barons incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.