The M1 Illinois ^ University of Fighting Illini gutted out a close 4-2 win against the M1 Lindenwood University Lions.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Eric Cruickshank at 14:56 of the third period.

Kyle Varzino had a great game for M1 Illinois ^ University of, netting two goals. Varzino's tallies came at 18:11 into the second period to make the score 2-1 M1 Illinois ^ University of and 19:30 into the third to make the score 4-2 M1 Illinois ^ University of.

By firing 26 shots on goal, the Fighting Illini exceeded the 0.3 shots they average per game this year.

John Olen also scored for M1 Illinois ^ University of. In addition, M1 Illinois ^ University of received assists from Joe Olen, who had two and Austin Zima, James Mcging, Mario Pacheco, Grant Stueve, and Aaron Dusek, who contributed one each.

M1 Lindenwood University put 28 shots on net during the contest, more than the 0.3 it averages per game.

The Lions were helped by Stephen Bopp, who had one goal and one assist. Bopp scored 4:11 into the second period to make the score 1-0 M1 Lindenwood University. Tommy Heinzman picked up the assist. M1 Lindenwood University also got points from Kevin Walters, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for M1 Lindenwood University were Graham Zagrodney, who had one.

Joe Olen made 26 saves for M1 Illinois ^ University of on 28 shots. The Fighting Illini incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Michael Hails rejected 22 shots on goal for M1 Lindenwood University. The Lions incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.