The Michigan Mountain Cats tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Toledo Cherokee held on for a 5-3 victory.

Toledo took a 5-2 lead during the third period, only to have Michigan storm back on a John Arms goal 9:56 into the third period to pull to two goals down.

Connor Crowe was all over the ice for the Cherokee, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Crowe scored the first of his two goals at 18:38 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Toledo. Parker Hack assisted on the tally. Crowe's next tally made the score Toledo with 17:45 left in the third period. Brandon Layman provided the assist.

Toledo put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Mountain Cats to score on any of their eight power plays. Michigan was unable to stop the Cherokee from sending pucks towards the net, and Toledo eventually piled up 33 shots on goal. The Cherokee were forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as they racked up 40 penalty minutes.

Toledo also got points from Tyler Zalecki, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Blake Podgorski, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Alec Gerred also scored for Toledo. More assists for Toledo came via Donnie Nagle, who had three and Andrew Benyo and Nicholas Brazeal, who each chipped in one.

The Mountain Cats got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed three goals during the game. Michigan's penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as the Mountain Cats finished with 30 penalty minutes.

Other players who recorded assists for Michigan were Marshall Helton and Bryan Davis, who contributed one a piece.

Toledo's Josh Cliff stopped 22 shots out of the 25 that he faced. The Cherokee registered one goal on eight power play opportunities. Ian Dvorak rejected 28 shots on goal for Michigan.