The Peoria Rivermen could not stop the Fayetteville FireAntz's Derek Elliott, who tallied a hat trick in a 7-3 win.

Fayetteville pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 21 penalty minutes.

The FireAntz's goal total was higher than their season average. This season, Fayetteville averages 2.4 goals per contest. The FireAntz relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Elliott, Trever Hertz and Kyle McNeil took 15 of the team's 24 shots.

Fayetteville additionally got points from Zach Carriveau, who also tallied one goal and two assists. Chad Hohmann also scored for Fayetteville. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Mike Kavanagh, Corey Toy, John Clewlow, Corey Tamblyn, and Jan Safar, who contributed one each.

Peoria was often in penalty trouble, as it ended with eight minors and one major for 21 minutes in penalty time. The Rivermen got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game. Peoria put 44 shots on net during the contest, more than the 25.6 it averages per game.

The Rivermen were helped by Alec Hagaman, who registered one goal. Hagaman scored short handed 4:25 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Peoria found itself down a man on Kyle Fletcher's holding. Jordan Sims assisted on the tally. Others who scored for Peoria included Cole Ruwe and Michael Slowikowski, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Josh Harris and Garrett Vermeersch, who each chipped in one.

Kevin Murdock rejected 41 shots on goal for Fayetteville. The FireAntz registered three goals on seven power play opportunities. Eric Levine made 12 saves before being replaced by Kyle Rank, who took the loss and made five saves. The Rivermen registered one goal on six power play opportunities.