Anthony Osterling scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the New Hamburg Firebirds held off the challenges of the Norwich Merchants in a tough 3-1 win.

The Firebirds were led by Sean Kienapple, who finished with one goal. Kienapple scored 13:55 into the first period to make the score 2-0 New Hamburg. Sean Hergott provided the assist.

New Hamburg could not produce up to it normal offensive output. The Firebirds average 5.3 goals per game. New Hamburg forced Norwich goalie Patrick Maziarz to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots.

New Hamburg also got a goal from Tyler Hoffman as well. In addition, New Hamburg received assists from Tyler Randerson, David Jennings, Brandon Yantzi, and Garrett Pollock, who contributed one a piece.

The Merchants stifled the Firebirds' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Norwich was held below its usual level of production. The Merchants put an average of 4.3 pucks into the net per game.

Norwich was led by Todd Kemp, who scored the team's only goal. Kemp scored on the power play 1:08 into the second period to make the score 2-1 New Hamburg. The Merchants had gotten the advantage when New Hamburg's Jaden Goetz was sent off for tripping. Darren Clark assisted on the tally.

Ryan Purcell rejected 21 shots on goal for the Firebirds. New Hamburg totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 0-for-5 on the power play. For the Firebirds, Andrew Boer was ejected from the game. Patrick Maziarz made 37 saves for Norwich on 40 shots. The Merchants totaled 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play. For Norwich, Braeden Shand and Zach Couwenberg were ejected from the contest.