Derek Slaght scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Norwich Merchants held off the challenges of the Woodstock Navy Vets in a tough 2-0 win.

A goal 15:06 into the first period by Slaght proved to be the game winner, and powered Norwich to the victory. The Merchants had taken the advantage when Woodstock's Chris Nauts got sent off for slashing. Kurtis Lavis provided the assist.

Norwich was boosted by Justin Pacheco, who turned in a shutout with 37 saves. Pacheco managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 2.34 prior to the game.

The Merchants pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 36 penalty minutes.

Norwich put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Navy Vets to score on any of their eight power plays.

Norwich additionally got points from Jesse Szabo, who also tallied one goal and one assist. More assists for Norwich came via Mitchell Berzins, who had one.

Woodstock was held below its usual level of production. The Navy Vets put an average of 2.7 pucks into the net per game. The Merchants were unable to stop Woodstock from sending pucks towards the net, and the Navy Vets eventually piled up 37 shots on goal.

Norwich registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Michael Roefs rejected 16 shots on goal for Woodstock. The Navy Vets incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors.