The game between the Norwich Merchants and the New Hamburg Firebirds was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end Norwich emerged with a 4-3 win.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Nathan Innes's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

The Merchants were led by Innes, who registered one goal. Innes scored 12:00 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Norwich. Brandon Velda assisted on the tally.

In the losing effort, New Hamburg was sparked by Tyler Randerson, who had two goals. Randerson scored the first of his two goals at 6:03 into the first period to make the score 1-0 New Hamburg. Mario Alyas picked up the assist. Randerson's next tally made the score 3-2 Norwich with 1:52 left in the second period. Alyas provided the assist.

Norwich put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Firebirds to score on any of their five power plays. The Merchants kept New Hamburg's goalie busy throughout the game, and Ryan Purcell made 36 saves on 40 shots.

Others who scored for Norwich included Brett Parsons, Jordan Gillis, and Jamie Kelly, who scored one goal each. In addition, Norwich received assists from Darcey Butler, who had two, Derek Slaght, who had three, and Ray Munro and Zack Morrison, who each chipped in one.

Norwich was unable to stop the Firebirds from sending pucks towards the net, and New Hamburg eventually piled up 44 shots on goal. The Firebirds were forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as they racked up 24 penalty minutes.

New Hamburg also got a goal from Brodie Muckler as well. More assists for New Hamburg came via Ethan Adair, Tyler Kleine, Chris Eckert, and Andrew Boer, who contributed one each.

Andrew Lefebvre made 41 saves for the Merchants on 44 shots. Norwich incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors. The Merchants ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Munro was ejected from the game.