A stellar performance between the pipes by Tanner Topham helped the New Hamburg Firebirds defeat the Norwich Merchants, 3-1.

New Hamburg pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 24 penalty minutes.

The Firebirds were led by Tyler Randerson, who finished with one goal. Randerson scored on the power play 12:05 into the third period to make the score 2-1 New Hamburg. New Hamburg had gained a power play chance when Jamie Kelly was whistled for boarding. Andrew Boer picked up the assist.

The Firebirds forced Norwich goalie Andrew Lefebvre to work between the pipes, taking 34 shots.

Others who scored for New Hamburg included Brandon Quan and Tyler Hoffman, who each put in one. More assists for New Hamburg came via Colin Martin, Jerry Ennett, Chris Eckert, and Carter Tracey, who contributed one each.

The Merchants could not produce up to their normal offensive output. Norwich puts an average of 3.2 pucks into the net per game. The Merchants' offense rang up 31 shots on New Hamburg's net.

Norwich was led by Daniel Rizzo, who scored the team's only goal. Rizzo scored on the power play 10:20 into the second period to make the score 1-1. The Merchants had gotten the advantage when the Firebirds' Boer was sent off for cross checking. Ray Munro provided the assist.

New Hamburg's Topham stopped 30 shots out of the 31 that he faced. The Firebirds registered two goals on four power play opportunities. Andrew Lefebvre made 31 saves for Norwich on 34 shots. The Merchants incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with four minors.