Bloomington Blaze gutted out a close 5-3 win against Michigan Ice Dogs.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Tyler Gehrken at 16:23 of the third period.

Cody Philips had two goals and two assists to lead Bloomington Blaze. Philips scored the first of his two goals at 19:38 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Michigan Ice Dogs. Steven Butler picked up the assist. Philips' next tally made the score 2-2 with 15:23 left in the third period. Butler provided the assist.

Bloomington Blaze was often in penalty trouble, totaling five minors and two majors for 50 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 25.0 minutes per game Bloomington Blaze had been spending in the box. Bloomington Blaze made Michigan Ice Dogs' netminders to work between the pipes, firing 41 shots and forcing 36 saves. Andrew Freeman made 36 stops and Jacob Zmijewski made zero. Bloomington Blaze stifled Michigan Ice Dogs' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Bloomington Blaze got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Bloomington Blaze additionally got points from William Widmar, who also had two goals and one assist. In addition, Bloomington Blaze received assists from Parker Michels, who had one and Matt Donley, who had four.

The Michigan Ice Dogs penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 12 minors and one major for 49 minutes in penalty time. Michigan Ice Dogs surpassed its season average of 27.0 penalty minutes per game. Michigan Ice Dogs forced Bloomington Blaze goalie Robert Cook to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots.

Michigan Ice Dogs was led by Adam Pinkowski, who tallied one goal and one assist. Pinkowski scored short handed 12:51 into the third period to make the score 3-3. A tripping call on Ashton Guy put Michigan Ice Dogs on the penalty kill. Michigan Ice Dogs also got a goal from James Subu as well. More assists for Michigan Ice Dogs came via Robert Speer, Alexander Stewart, and Joshua Arnold, who contributed one a piece.

Cook rejected 37 shots on goal for Bloomington Blaze. Bloomington Blaze registered one goal on 10 power play opportunities. Bloomington Blaze ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Jacob Lourash was ejected from the game. Michigan Ice Dogs registered zero goals on four power play opportunities.