The North Stars Academy Wild seized control early and never looked back, cruising to a decisive 4-1 victory over the Riggers Hockey Academy. The tone was set in the first period when the Wild capitalized on a power play, as Temple Dudman found the back of the net at the 2:31 mark. The Riggers found themselves in penalty trouble throughout the frame, with Kash Kshyk taking two cross-checking minors and Duke Scrannage serving a holding call, which stifled their ability to build any offensive momentum. Despite an even 5-5 shot count in the opening period, the Wild carried the crucial lead into the intermission.
The second period was a masterclass in pressure from the North Stars. They unleashed a barrage of 15 shots, and Dudman struck again at 9:36, netting the eventual game-winner on an even-strength play to double the lead. The Riggers' offense was largely contained, managing only six shots against the steady presence of Wild goalie Finley Vandenberg. Penalties continued to hamper the Riggers, with Scrannage taking a boarding minor, while the Wild saw Ryder Chapman and Dudman each take a minor of their own. The Wild's physical and disciplined play allowed them to enter the final frame with a comfortable two-goal cushion.
Any hope of a Riggers comeback was quickly extinguished in the third. Matteo Biagi managed to get the visitors on the board with a power-play goal at 6:34, assisted by Ryder Cross, but the Wild responded emphatically. Just over four minutes later, Axten van Nieuwkerk restored the two-goal lead on the power play, with Wyatt Kolibab picking up the helper. Kolibab then turned from passer to scorer, sealing the game with an even-strength goal at 1:43, assisted by van Nieuwkerk. The Riggers' frustration showed, with Kshyk taking his third minor of the game and Lincoln Laschowski serving a boarding penalty. In the end, the Wild's offensive depth and a suffocating shot advantage of 34-21 told the story, with Finley Vandenberg turning in a strong 20-save performance for the win.
