In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the West Michigan Wolves escaped with a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Junior Bulldogs.

West Michigan gained the winning advantage on a goal by Michael Tratar 15:37 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Mike Difranco was all over the ice for the Wolves, as he tallied one goal and two assists in the win. Difranco scored on the power play 11:42 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Chicago. West Michigan had taken the advantage when Chicago's Ryan Glennon got sent off for tripping. Tait Aptakin picked up the assist.

In a losing effort, the Junior Bulldogs were led by Toms Taurins, who finished with two goals and one assist. Taurins scored the first of his two goals at 5:55 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Tyler Seltenriech provided the assist. Taurins' next tally made the score 3-1 Chicago with 13:54 left in the second period. Michael Ellis picked up the assist.

The Wolves forced Chicago goalie Troy Pierce to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

West Michigan additionally got points from Tratar, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Aptakin, who also had one goal and one assist. West Michigan also had goals scored by Benjamin Sera and Tim Foley, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for West Michigan were Josh Somers, Brandon Mezuk, Dakota Ulmer, and Devin Farkas, who contributed one each.

West Michigan was unable to stop the Junior Bulldogs from sending pucks towards the net, and Chicago eventually piled up 31 shots on goal. The Junior Bulldogs' penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as Chicago finished with 46 penalty minutes.

Chicago also got points from Seltenriech, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, Chicago received assists from Henry Hearon, who had one and Ryan Maksimovic, who had two.

Kyler Patenaude made 28 saves for the Wolves on 31 shots. West Michigan incurred 30 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Junior Bulldogs' Pierce stopped 26 shots out of the 30 that he faced. Chicago registered one goal on five power play opportunities.