A hard-fought league encounter today, with the Wisconsin Warhawks ultimately securing a 4-2 victory over the Kajaani Thunder in front of a spirited attendance of 376. The final score, however, doesn't fully reflect the tenacity shown by both sides. The first period saw significant pressure from the Wisconsin Warhawks, with a notable advantage in kiekonhallinta, estimated at over 73% for the home team. Despite facing a barrage of 7 saves from Kajaani Thunder’s goaltender, Viljami Kivelä, Wisconsin managed to break the deadlock at 8:45 with a goal from Karri Kajaste, assisted by Alvin Lanu. Kajaani, however, displayed resilience and capitalized on an opportunity late in the period, with Asmo Sakila scoring unassisted at 19:01, levelling the score heading into the first intermission. The second period was characterized by penalties, particularly for the Kajaani Thunder, who accumulated six minutes of penalty time. Wisconsin Warhawks capitalized on this, with Alvin Lanu scoring a crucial power play goal at 18:34, unassisted. This regained the lead for the home side and proved to be a momentum shifter. The Warhawks then extended their lead to 3-1 with Lucas Liipola finding the back of the net at 19:59, with an assist from Veikko Viinikäinen. Viljami Kivelä continued to be a busy man, making a remarkable 14 saves in this period alone. In the final period, Wisconsin Warhawks extended their lead further with Arno Helppi scoring at 3:26, assisted by Reijo Teräväinen and Dietrich Kaikkola, making it 4-1. Kajaani Thunder, despite a significant deficit and a strong performance from Wisconsin's goaltender Kennet Kilpola who made 9 saves throughout the match, continued to fight. They managed to pull one back very late in the game, at 19:59, when Johan Iti scored unassisted, assisted by Harjula Luikola, bringing the final score to 4-2. Looking at the overall statistics, the Wisconsin Warhawks dominated kiekonhallinta and generated considerably more offensive pressure, with 27 shots on goal compared to Kajaani's 11. Viljami Kivelä's 23 saves were instrumental in keeping Kajaani within striking distance for much of the game. Wisconsin's power play unit was effective, converting one of their three opportunities, while Kajaani was unable to score on their single power play chance. This efficiency, coupled with their territorial advantage, ultimately sealed the victory for the home team.