Danny Cesarz scored the clinching goal in a shootout, and the Knoxville Ice Bears picked up the extra point in a 5-4 (2-1 SO) win over the Peoria Rivermen.

The Ice Bears overcame a four-goal deficit to capture the victory. Knoxville was down 4-0 after a goal by the Rivermen's Connor P. Toomey at 8:46 in the second period. The Ice Bears tied things up at 4-4 on a goal by Cesarz at 15:54 in the third period.

Cesarz had one goal and one assist to lead Knoxville.

The Ice Bears' offense was clicking better than usual and put 52 shots on goal during the game, better than the 22.7 shots per game they average.

Knoxville was led by Cesarz, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Knoxville also got points from Trever Hertz, who also had one goal and one assist. Knoxville also had goals scored by Andrew Bonazza and Corey Fulton, who scored one goal each. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Jason Price, who had two and Zack LaRue and Corey Hale, who each chipped in one.

Peoria's defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. The Rivermen give up 2.3 goals per game. Peoria got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game. By firing 31 shots on goal, the Rivermen exceeded the 22.7 shots they average per game this year.

Peoria was helped by Benjamin Rubin, who registered one goal. Rubin scored on the power play 9:19 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Peoria. The Rivermen had gotten the advantage when the Ice Bears' Garrett Vermeersch was sent off for hooking. Power assisted on the tally. Peoria additionally got points from Toomey, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Peoria included Dave Pszenyczny and Frank Misuraca, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Ben Oskroba, who had one and Alec Hagaman and Steve Morra, who each chipped in two.

Brian Billett made 15 saves before being replaced by Bryan Hince, who took the win and made 12 saves. Knoxville totaled 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 1-for-4 on the power play. Kyle Rank recorded 47 saves for Peoria. The Rivermen totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-2 on the power play.