The La Crosse Freeze tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Peoria Mustangs would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-3.

Peoria made the score 3-0 on a goal by Austin Wisely at 11:56 in the second period, and La Crosse got as close as 3-2 when Jacob Drinkard scored 8:07 into the third period.

The Mustangs were led by Kai Barber, who finished with one goal. Barber scored 16:15 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Peoria. Marshall Gevers provided the assist.

Peoria also got points from Chance Homerin, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Thomas Kolaz, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Joe Power Wayvon, Levi Armstrong, and Andrew Scofield, who contributed one each.

The Freeze's offense rang up 38 shots on Peoria's net. La Crosse got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

The Freeze were helped by Chris Skordilis, who grabbed one goal. Skordilis scored 17:55 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Peoria. Brit Brothen picked up the assist. Jared Bromberg also scored for La Crosse. More assists for La Crosse came via Hunter Dragosh, Jake Lipski, Austin Moser, and Taylor Trapp, who each chipped in one.

Marc Hayton recorded 35 saves for the Mustangs. Peoria incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. La Crosse's Cameron Scheuren stopped 22 shots out of the 26 that he faced. The Freeze incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.