The New Hamburg Firebirds were firing on all cylinders against the Norwich Merchants, and when the final buzzer sounded Firebirds emerged with a 6-2 win.

After the loss made the series score 3-2 in the best of seven series, Norwich faces elimination next time out.

New Hamburg's penalty kill excelled, as the Firebirds gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

New Hamburg was paced by Jaden Goetz, who had one goal and one assist. Goetz scored 9:08 into the first period to make the score 3-1 New Hamburg. Kory Nowak picked up the assist.

The Firebirds forced the Merchants' goalies to work without much rest, totaling 37 shots and forcing 31 saves. Jesse Schoeman made seven stops and Patrick Maziarz made 24.

New Hamburg additionally got points from David Jennings, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Taylor Wood, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. New Hamburg also got a goal from Carter Tracey as well. More assists for New Hamburg came via Andrew Boer and Tyler Hoffman, who contributed one each and Tyler Randerson and Quinten Haddock, who each chipped in two.

Norwich excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in eight chances. The Merchants forced New Hamburg goalie Ryan Purcell to work between the pipes, taking 36 shots.

Norwich was helped by Mitchell Berzins, who tallied one goal. Berzins scored 8:55 into the first period to make the score 2-1 New Hamburg. Jamie Kelly assisted on the tally. Norwich also got points from Kelly, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, Norwich received assists from Kurtis Lavis, who had one.

Purcell recorded 34 saves for the Firebirds. New Hamburg incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. The Merchants incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.