The game between West Michigan and Southern Tier was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end West Michigan emerged with a 5-3 win.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Dakota Ulmer secured the win for West Michigan with a goal in the third period.

Ulmer had two goals and one assist to lead West Michigan. Ulmer scored the first of his two goals at 11:21 into the second period to make the score 3-2 West Michigan. Christian Amend picked up the assist. Ulmer's next tally made the score 4-3 West Michigan with 3:32 left in the third period. TJ Krajewski assisted on the tally.

West Michigan pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 38 penalty minutes.

West Michigan forced Southern Tier's goalies to work between the pipes, racking up 45 shots and forcing 40 saves. Jared Hebner made 19 stops and Ryan Pascarella made 21. West Michigan was ineffective while on the power play, as it was held to one goal off of nine man advantages.

West Michigan additionally got points from Krajewski, who also had one goal and one assist. Others who scored for West Michigan included Mitch Kalleward and Korey Muzzy, who each put in one. In addition, West Michigan received assists from John Hayward, Gavin Cline, and Nathan Rieman, who each chipped in one and Grant Denton and Devin Farkas, who contributed two each.

Southern Tier racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 12 minors and one major for 69 minutes in penalty time. Southern Tier had been averaging 21.0 minutes in penalties per game. West Michigan was unable to stop Southern Tier from sending pucks towards the net, and Southern Tier eventually piled up 32 shots on goal.

Southern Tier was helped by Luke Grossman, who finished with one goal. Grossman scored 6:09 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Philip Grippi picked up the assist. Southern Tier also had goals scored by Justin Andriaccio and Hunter Kepple, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Southern Tier were Brian Grant and Ingus Matins, who each chipped in one.

Joe Licata made 29 saves for West Michigan on 32 shots. Southern Tier registered one goal on seven power play opportunities. Team's Andriaccio and Grippi were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.