In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Mitchell Hawks escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Hanover Barons.

Mitchell gained the winning advantage on a goal by Matt Van DeWalle 8:39 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Van DeWalle had two goals to lead the Hawks to victory.

Hanover's power play was ineffective against Mitchell's penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

The Hawks' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on 10 Hanover power plays. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with three goals.

Mitchell also got a goal from Tyler Pauli as well. Other players who recorded assists for Mitchell were Zach Goodhew, Greg Orr, Zane Walkom, Jalen Aitcheson, Brent Rae, and Luke Fraser, who each chipped in one.

The Barons were often in penalty trouble, totaling eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. Hanover had been averaging 24.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Barons stifled Mitchell's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Hawks were unable to stop Hanover from sending pucks towards the net, and the Barons eventually piled up 34 shots on goal.

Hanover was helped by Tyson Soers, who grabbed one goal. Soers scored short handed 13:58 into the second period to make the score 1-1. The Barons found themselves down a man on Justin Donnelly's fighting (instigator). Justin Graham also scored for Hanover.

Ben Nelson recorded 32 saves for Mitchell. The Hawks incurred 46 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. For Mitchell, Travis Knight was ejected from the game. Hanover's Ben Errington stopped 23 shots out of the 26 that he faced. Team's Andrew Scott and Jarrett Kuntz were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.