In a game where neither team could get a cushion, Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) escaped with a 3-2 victory over Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL).

No lead was more than one goal during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Matt Pinder at 4:05 of the third period.

Nicolas Tassone was all over the ice for Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL), as he registered two goals in the win. Tassone scored at 10:45 into the second period to make the score 1-0 Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) and again while 18:14 into the second to make the score 2-1 Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL).

Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) stifled Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL)'s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) kept Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL)'s goalie busy throughout the game, and Pierce Dushenko made 41 saves on 44 shots.

More assists for Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) came via Joey Miller, who had two and Boris Katchouk, Brett Jeffries, David Radke, and Eric Hillock, who contributed one each.

Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL) forced Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) goalie Mario Culina to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.

Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL) was led by Wyatt Cota, who tallied one goal and one assist. Cota scored 14:51 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Dylan Robertson assisted on the tally. Nick Minerva also scored for Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL). In addition, Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL) received assists from Nolan Ross, who had one.

Culina recorded 29 saves for Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL). Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Fort Frances Lakers (HOST-SIJHL) incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.