West Michigan Hounds 18U tried to dig itself out of a three-goal hole, but Esmark Stars 18U held on for a 5-3 victory.

Esmark Stars 18U made the score 5-2 on a goal by Brian Dee at 5:00 in the third period, and West Michigan Hounds 18U got as close as 5-3 when Trevor Temple scored 15:25 into the third period.

Dee had two goals and one assist to lead Esmark Stars 18U. Dee scored the first of his two goals at 2:04 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Esmark Stars 18U. Brendon Zack picked up the assist. Dee's next tally made the score 5-2 Esmark Stars 18U with 15:00 left in the third period. Thomas Kimmick assisted on the tally.

Esmark Stars 18U bested its season scoring average. Esmark Stars 18U has scored at the pace of 2.9 goals per game during the current campaign.

Esmark Stars 18U also got points from Carter Ekberg, who also tallied one goal and one assist, David Polinski, who also finished with one goal and one assist, and David Jerome, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Esmark Stars 18U were Andrew Koziara, who had one and Sam Barnes, who had two.

Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals. West Michigan Hounds 18U could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 24 minutes in penalties during the game.

West Michigan Hounds 18U was helped by Dylan Naumouski, who racked up two goals. Naumouski scored the first of his two goals at 9:08 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Esmark Stars 18U. Naumouski's next tally made the score 3-2 Esmark Stars 18U with 6:27 left in the second period. West Michigan Hounds 18U had taken the advantage when Esmark Stars 18U's Ethan Homitz got sent off for high sticking. Temple provided the assist. West Michigan Hounds 18U additionally got points from Temple, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, West Michigan Hounds 18U received assists from William Nichol and Collin Schieman, who contributed one each.

Esmark Stars 18U's Scott Trellis stopped 26 shots out of the 29 that he faced. Esmark Stars 18U incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Chance Kremer recorded 24 saves for West Michigan Hounds 18U. West Michigan Hounds 18U registered one goal on one power play opportunities.