The Michigan Mountain Cats took the lead against the Pittsburgh Vengeance in the first period and maintained it until the end of the game to secure a tight 3-1 victory.

Michigan took over the lead for good with a goal by Max Vance at 11:06 in the first period. The Mountain Cats had taken the advantage when Pittsburgh's Thomas Leistner got sent off for slashing. John Arms assisted on the tally.

Michigan's Walker Bass was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 36 saves and let only one puck past him. Bass certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 5.2 entering the contest.

The Vengeance's power play was ineffective against the Mountain Cats' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Pittsburgh was unable to stop Michigan from sending pucks towards the net, and the Mountain Cats eventually piled up 31 shots on goal.

Michigan additionally got points from Vance, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Zach Collins also scored for Michigan. More assists for Michigan came via Abram Prince, who had one and Kade Morrison, who had two.

The Vengeance could not produce up to they normal offensive output. Pittsburgh puts an average of 3.7 pucks into the net per game. The Vengeance's offense rang up 37 shots on Michigan's net. Pittsburgh could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 36 minutes in penalties during the game.

The Vengeance were led by Lukas Friberger, who scored the team's only goal. Friberger scored on the power play 18:11 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Michigan. Pittsburgh earned a power play opportunity when Christopher Williams was put in the box for slashing. Michael Straub picked up the assist.

The Mountain Cats incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. Tyler Geloneck rejected 28 shots on goal for the Vengeance. Pittsburgh ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Tom Diffendal was ejected from the game.