Holland River Bandits tried to dig itself out of a three-goal hole, but Bloomington Blaze held on for a 7-5 victory.

Bloomington Blaze took a 7-4 lead during the third period, only to have Holland River Bandits storm back on a Greg Balsam goal 19:43 into the third period to pull to two goals down.

Steven Smoltz had two goals and one assist to lead Bloomington Blaze. Smoltz scored the first of his two goals short handed at 13:37 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Bloomington Blaze was on a disadvantage when Anton Nenakhov went off the ice for interference. Kyle Kabacinski picked up the assist. Smoltz's next tally short handed made the score 3-2 Bloomington Blaze with 3:22 left in the second period. Joseph Clemente assisted on the tally.

Bloomington Blaze's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Holland River Bandits power plays. Bloomington Blaze kept Holland River Bandits' goalie busy throughout the game, and Brendon Hanser made 40 saves on 47 shots. Bloomington Blaze outdid its season average for goals scored. Bloomington Blaze has scored at the pace of 4.4 goals per game during the current campaign.

Bloomington Blaze also got points from Drew Daley, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Patrick Anaruk, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Bloomington Blaze also got a goal from Sherman Lovett as well. More assists for Bloomington Blaze came via Steven Butler, who had one and Tyler Gehrken, who had two.

Bloomington Blaze was unable to stop Holland River Bandits from sending pucks towards the net, and Holland River Bandits eventually piled up 36 shots on goal.

Holland River Bandits was led by Bryce Stenstrom, who had three goals and one assist. Holland River Bandits additionally got points from Abram Prince, who also grabbed one goal and two assists. In addition, Holland River Bandits received assists from Denis Babin, who had one and Alexander Devries, who had two.

Bloomington Blaze's William Rohleder stopped 31 shots out of the 36 that he faced. Bloomington Blaze incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Holland River Bandits incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.