Holland River Bandits tried to dig itself out of a two-goal hole, but Bloomington Blaze held on for an 8-7 victory.

A goal by Steven Smoltz put Bloomington Blaze up 7-5 in the second period, but Holland River Bandits pulled to within one on Bryce Stenstrom's tally 43 seconds into the third period.

The Bloomington Blaze penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. Bloomington Blaze surpassed its season average of 21.0 penalty minutes per game. Bloomington Blaze excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. Holland River Bandits was unable to stop Bloomington Blaze from sending pucks towards the net, and Bloomington Blaze eventually piled up 46 shots on goal. Bloomington Blaze's goal total was higher than its season average. This season, Bloomington Blaze averages 4.1 goals per contest.

Bloomington Blaze was led by Joseph Clemente, who registered three goals and three assists. Bloomington Blaze also got points from Smoltz, who also grabbed two goals and three assists, Matt Donley, who also finished with one goal and four assists, and Patrick Anaruk, who also had one goal and three assists. Bloomington Blaze also got a goal from Kyler Schmor as well. More assists for Bloomington Blaze came via Anton Thompson and Tyler Gehrken, who each chipped in one.

Holland River Bandits was often in penalty trouble, totaling 11 minors and two majors for 42 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 32.0 minutes per game Holland River Bandits had been spending in the box. Holland River Bandits made Bloomington Blaze's goalies to work in net, firing 34 shots and forcing 27 saves. Gavin Carlson made 10 stops and William Rohleder made 17. Holland River Bandits found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. Holland River Bandits has scored at the pace of 4.2 goals per game during the current campaign.

Holland River Bandits was led by Cameron Fisher, who finished with three goals and one assist. Holland River Bandits additionally got points from Cory Bussing, who also registered one goal and one assist, Stenstrom, who also tallied one goal and one assist, and Abram Prince, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Cameron Benson also scored for Holland River Bandits. In addition, Holland River Bandits received assists from Alexander Devries, who had two and Denis Babin and Bailey Rietman, who contributed one a piece.

Bloomington Blaze registered four goals on nine power play opportunities. John Posler recorded 38 saves for Holland River Bandits. For Holland River Bandits, Riley Clark was ejected from the game.