The La Crosse Freeze pulled out a 4-3 (OT) overtime victory over the Wisconsin Whalers on a clutch goal by Zach Lawson.

Although La Crosse was up by as many as two goals in the second period, Wisconsin kept the game interesting by staging a comeback that ultimately fell short. The Whalers got to within 3-2 on a short handed goal by Ryan Martin at 1:49 in the third period.

The Freeze pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 18 penalty minutes.

La Crosse stifled Wisconsin's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Others who scored for La Crosse included Anthony Miller, Hunter Smith, and Ethan Stafford, who each put in one. More assists for La Crosse came via Justin Edwards, Blake Olinyk, Jace Cseter, Taylor Trapp, Jack Sterne, Dan Marotz, and Ben Henderson, who contributed one each.

The Whalers' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six La Crosse power plays. Wisconsin forced the Freeze goalie Cameron Scheuren to work between the pipes, taking 53 shots.

The Whalers were helped by Peter Henderson, who finished with one goal and one assist. Henderson scored 3:09 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Wisconsin. Martin assisted on the tally. Wisconsin additionally got points from Martin, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Wisconsin also got a goal from Thomas Hanson as well. Other players who recorded assists for Wisconsin were Will Holtan, Alex Anderson, Adam Alcott, and Adam Schoenfeld, who each chipped in one.

Scheuren recorded 50 saves for La Crosse. Chris Johansen made 19 saves for Wisconsin on 23 shots. The Whalers incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.