The West Michigan Wolves survived a determined comeback attempt by the Chicago Junior Bulldogs on the way to a 5-3 win.

West Michigan made the score 5-1 on a goal by Tait Aptakin at 14:49 in the second period, and Chicago got as close as 5-3 when Michael Howard scored 13:23 into the third period.

The Junior Bulldogs' power play was ineffective against the Wolves' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

West Michigan was often in penalty trouble, totaling 11 minors and one major for 37 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 17.0 minutes per game the Wolves had been spending in the box. West Michigan's offense rang up 34 shots on Chicago's net.

The Wolves were helped by Devin Farkas, who finished with one goal and one assist. Farkas scored on the power play 13:12 into the second period to make the score 4-1 West Michigan. West Michigan had taken the advantage when the Junior Bulldogs' Mike Holmes got sent off for hooking. Michael Tratar provided the assist. West Michigan also got points from Tratar, who also racked up one goal and two assists to lead the team in points and Dakota Ulmer, who also registered one goal and one assist. Steven Rhodes also scored for West Michigan. Other players who recorded assists for West Michigan were Brandon Mezuk, Taylor Burdorf, Mike Difranco, Kyle Keeder, and Shawn Adam, who contributed one each.

Chicago also got a goal from Toms Taurins as well. In addition, Chicago received assists from Tyler Seltenriech, Noah Carter, Henry Hearon, Nathan Iaciancio, and Ryan Maksimovic, who each chipped in one.

Hunter Vorva made 27 saves for the Wolves on 30 shots. West Michigan registered one goal on six power play opportunities. Troy Pierce rejected 29 shots on goal for Chicago. The Junior Bulldogs incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors.