Despite having to fight off several power plays, the Norwich Merchants were able to defeat the Wellesley Applejacks, 6-1.

The win gave Norwich a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

The Merchants were led by Brandon Zimmermann, who tallied one goal. Zimmermann scored short handed 37 seconds into the second period to make the score 2-1 Norwich.

Norwich's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on eight Wellesley power plays.

Norwich additionally got points from Drake Morrell, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Norwich also had goals scored by Kurtis Lavis, Braeden Shand, Zach Couwenberg, and Jordan Gillis, who scored one goal each. More assists for Norwich came via Mitchell Berzins, who had two and Nick Burdett, Derek Slaght, and Josh Herreman, who each chipped in one.

Wellesley excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in nine chances.

The Applejacks were led by Brett MacDonald, who scored the team's only goal. MacDonald scored short handed 13:51 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Wellesley played down a man on Eric Heffernan's interference. Mckenzie Carter provided the assist.

Zac Easveld recorded 24 saves for the Merchants. Norwich incurred 32 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors. Team's Todd Kemp and Zimmermann were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game. Josh Heer took the loss and made 18 saves before being replaced by Brayden Bruce who made five saves. The Applejacks incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.