The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks pulled out a 2-1 (OT) overtime victory over the Elk River Elks on a clutch goal by Avery Peterson.

The win gave Grand Rapids a 1-0 lead in the best of one series.

Peterson had two goals to lead the Thunderhawks to victory. Peterson scored at 10 seconds into the third period to make the score 1-0 Grand Rapids and again while 5:06 into the fifth to make the score 2-1 Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids' Hunter Shepard was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 25 saves and let only one puck past him. The solid play of Shepard will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 1.56.

The Thunderhawks forced Elk River goalie MacLean Berglove to work between the pipes, taking 38 shots. Grand Rapids did not rack up many penalties in the contest, totaling a minimal one minor for two minutes in penalty time.

Other players who recorded assists for Grand Rapids were Jake Bischoff, who had two and Shaffer Holum and Cody Mann, who contributed one a piece.

The Elks excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances.

Elk River was led by Chase Springman, who scored the team's only goal. Springman scored 2:34 into the third period to make the score 1-1. Tim Sandford assisted on the tally.

The Elks' Berglove stopped 36 shots out of the 38 that he faced. Elk River incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors and had no power play opportunities.