M3-McKendree University's penalty kill was superb, as M3-McKendree University survived multiple penalties to beat M2 Illinois University of, 6-3.

M3-McKendree University was often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and one major for 27 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19.0 minutes per game M3-McKendree University had been spending in the box. M3-McKendree University forced M2 Illinois University of's goaltenders to work all game long, ripping 60 shots and forcing 54 saves. Austin Gentry made 18 stops and Pavlo Delfini made 36. M3-McKendree University's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six M2 Illinois University of power plays.

M3-McKendree University was helped by Jacob Young, who grabbed one goal. Young scored 1:59 into the first period to make the score 2-0 M3-McKendree University. Jacob Schlote provided the assist. Others who scored for M3-McKendree University included Ryan Sizer, Dylan Mueth, Steven Csanyi, Dakota Brewer, and Kristjan Toivola, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for M3-McKendree University were Josh Donovan, who had one and Brendan Whitt, who had two.

M2 Illinois University of forced M3-McKendree University goalie Andrew Best to work between the pipes, taking 51 shots. M2 Illinois University of was forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as it racked up 16 penalty minutes.

M2 Illinois University of was helped by Matt Reich, who racked up one goal. Reich scored 10:58 into the third period to make the score 5-3 M3-McKendree University. John OSullivan picked up the assist. M2 Illinois University of also had goals scored by Conner Cecott and Robert Greising, who each put in one. More assists for M2 Illinois University of came via Nick Bartuce, who had two and Eric Flakus and Peter Romanchuk, who each chipped in one.

Andrew Best made 48 saves for M3-McKendree University on 51 shots. M3-McKendree University registered two goals on seven power play opportunities. M3-McKendree University ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Toivola was ejected from the game.