Franky Melton netted a hat trick to lead the St. Louis Jr. Blues over the Peoria Mustangs, 5-3.

Melton got on the scoresheet 17:53 into the second period. He then added goals at 18:23 into the second and at 19:43 into the third.

St. Louis excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances.

St. Louis also had goals scored by Sam Maddox and Kevin Laplante, who scored one goal each. In addition, St. Louis received assists from Tommy Heinzman, Chris Brown, and Jason Loraine, who contributed one each.

Peoria put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Jr. Blues to score on any of their five power plays. St. Louis was unable to stop the Mustangs from sending pucks towards the net, and Peoria eventually piled up 37 shots on goal. The Mustangs could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.

Peoria was helped by Jason Hoehn, who registered one goal. Hoehn scored 19:14 into the third period to make the score 4-3 St. Louis. Andrew Scofield assisted on the tally. Others who scored for Peoria included Kai Barber and Nathan Scofield, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Marshall Gevers and Austin Wisely, who each chipped in one.

William Hindle recorded 34 saves for the Jr. Blues. St. Louis incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. The Mustangs' Ross Lipic stopped 24 shots out of the 28 that he faced.