The Knowlton Gnashers and Looma Trappers delivered an absolute barnburner, with the Gnashers finally prevailing 5-4 in a dramatic sudden-death overtime period. The game was a tale of two teams: the Gnashers, who built an early lead and then had to weather a furious Trappers' comeback, and the Trappers, who refused to quit until the final horn. The contest was marked by a constant barrage of shots, with Knowlton firing 44 and Looma 41, making it a busy night for both goalies despite the goalie stats not fully reflecting the netminders' battles.
The Gnashers stormed out of the gate, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period. Seth Frizzell (#85) opened the scoring on a feed from Tyler Hamilton (#5), and Jay Del Cid (#73) made it a two-goal game shortly after, with assists from Frizzell and Alex Rouault (#18). The Trappers finally broke through when Riley Knaus (#14) beat Jordan Thompson (#35) to cut the lead to 2-1 heading into the first intermission. Knowlton appeared to take control in the second period, with Hamilton scoring his second of the game and then Frizzell adding an empty-net goal to make it 4-1. However, the goal was scored with just six seconds left in the period, setting the stage for a wild third.
The third period was all Looma. The Trappers, refusing to go quietly, erupted for three unanswered goals. Colin Doherty (#48) capitalized on a power play, and the red-hot Riley Knaus scored his second of the game to make it 4-3. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Brandan Tronchin (#36) completed the comeback, tying the game at 4-4 and sending the contest to overtime. However, the Gnashers would have the last word. Just three minutes into the extra frame, Gavin Garner (#93) played the hero, burying the game-winner with assists from Shane Steinbring (#7) and Matthew Antoshchuk (#92), sparking a wild celebration for Knowlton. Despite the win, the game was a testament to the resilience of the Looma Trappers, who nearly pulled off an incredible come-from-behind victory.