The LaSalle Vipers had trouble finding ways to stop the Elmira Sugar Kings, which beat Vipers, 7-2.

The win gave Elmira a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

The Sugar Kings got the win behind a great game by Eric Palazzolo, who had one goal and two assists. Palazzolo scored 5:23 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Elmira. Zac Coulter assisted on the tally.

Elmira's penalty kill excelled, as the Sugar Kings gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

Elmira capitalized on LaSalle's penalties, netting two goals while skating with a man advantage.

Elmira also got points from Mitch Wright, who also had one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Elmira also had goals scored by Rob Kohli, Ethan Skinner, Steven Jakiela, Klayton Hoelscher, and Cash Seraphim, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Elmira were Adam Brubacher, Alex Mutton, Mitch Klie, and Mac Clutsam, who contributed one each.

The Sugar Kings were unable to stop the Vipers from sending pucks towards the net, and LaSalle eventually piled up 38 shots on goal.

The Vipers were helped by Brendan Harrogate, who registered one goal. Harrogate scored on the power play 3:33 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Elmira. A tripping penalty on Clutsam had put LaSalle on the power play. Nathan Veres picked up the assist. Daniel Beaudoin also scored for LaSalle. In addition, LaSalle received assists from Nicolas Crescenzi, Nathan Savage, and Dalton Langlois, who each chipped in one.

Jonathan Reinhart made 36 saves for Elmira on 38 shots. The Sugar Kings ended with 33 minutes in penalty time with nine minors and one major. Elmira ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Connor Hall was ejected from the game. Paolo Battisti made 21 saves before being replaced by Eli Billing, who took the loss and made two saves. The Vipers ended with 27 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major. For LaSalle, Nikko Sablone was ejected from the game.