A stellar performance between the pipes by Eric Peicheff helped the New Hamburg Firebirds defeat the Norwich Merchants, 4-1.

After the loss made the series score 3-2 in the best of seven series, Norwich faces elimination next time out.

New Hamburg was paced by Sam Murray, who had one goal. Murray scored 2:25 into the third period to make the score 2-1 New Hamburg. Sean Hergott provided the assist.

The Firebirds' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Norwich power plays. New Hamburg forced the Merchants goalie Matt McGonigle to work between the pipes, taking 44 shots.

New Hamburg also got points from Eric Fischer, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. New Hamburg also got a goal from Mike DAloisio as well. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from Sean Kienapple, Jay DAguilar, Taylor Wood, and Connor Voigt, who each chipped in one.

Norwich kept the Firebirds' goalie busy throughout the game, and Peicheff made 35 saves on 36 shots.

The Merchants were led by Todd Poirier, who scored the team's only goal. Poirier scored 13:35 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Norwich. Todd Kemp assisted on the tally.

New Hamburg incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Matt McGonigle made 40 saves for Norwich on 44 shots. The Merchants incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.