The Peoria Mustangs survived a determined comeback attempt by the Chicago Hitmen on the way to a 5-3 win.

A goal by Chad Breunig put Peoria up 5-0 in the second period, but Chicago pulled to within two on Kyle Gonzalez's tally 11:48 into the third period.

The the Mustangs penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 11 minors and one major for 27 minutes in penalty time. Peoria surpassed its season average of 24.0 penalty minutes per game. The Mustangs made the Hitmen's goaltenders to work in net, taking 35 shots and forcing 30 saves. Brandon Perillo made 28 stops and Joe Olen made two. Peoria's goal total was higher than its season average. The Mustangs have scored at the pace of 2.9 goals per game during the current campaign.

Peoria was helped by Gage Van Order, who grabbed one goal. Van Order scored 13:27 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Peoria. Dan Sutterman picked up the assist. Others who scored for Peoria included Nathan Chasteen, who had one and Josh Wentz, who had two. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Nikolas Sakellaropoulos, Cameron Brown, Michael Melka, Cory Welnicke, Michael Mikulan, and Darren Schlueter, who contributed one a piece.

Chicago racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with nine minors and one major for 43 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 21.0 minutes per game the Hitmen had been spending in the box. Chicago forced the Mustangs goalie William Johnson to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots. The Hitmen's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Chicago also got points from Joshua Greenwood, who also finished with one goal and one assist. More assists for Chicago came via Nick Gorczyca, who had two and Tom Ketelsen and Bobby Mueller, who each chipped in one.

Johnson recorded 28 saves for Peoria. The Mustangs registered one goal on four power play opportunities. Chicago registered two goals on six power play opportunities.