Springfield Express and Wichita Jr. Thunder were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Springfield Express made the most of its opportunities and won, 4-3.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Vito DeVito's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

DeVito had a great game for Springfield Express, netting two goals.

Springfield Express put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Wichita Jr. Thunder to score on any of its four power plays. Springfield Express kept Wichita Jr. Thunder's goalie busy throughout the game, and Jake Larson made 31 saves on 35 shots.

Springfield Express additionally got points from Josh Cook, who also registered one goal and one assist. Diego Bartlett also scored for Springfield Express. More assists for Springfield Express came via Derek Smith, who had one and Gabe Regan, David Higgs, and Seth Ensor, who contributed two each.

Wichita Jr. Thunder forced Springfield Express goalie Bobby Dugan to work between the pipes, taking 41 shots.

Wichita Jr. Thunder was led by Zach Balodis, who had one goal and one assist. Balodis scored 9:40 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Springfield Express. Jet Bell provided the assist. Wichita Jr. Thunder also had goals scored by Joel Gellvear and Patrik Janac, who each put in one. In addition, Wichita Jr. Thunder received assists from Peter Ivicic, Chance Aquino, and Jack McClelland, who each chipped in one.

Bobby Dugan made 38 saves for Springfield Express on 41 shots. Springfield Express totaled 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors and two majors and went 1-for-3 on the power play. Wichita Jr. Thunder ended with 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors.