The M1 Illinois ^ University of Fighting Illini tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the M1 Western Michigan University Stallions held on for a 4-3 victory.

M1 Western Michigan University made the score 4-2 on a goal by Zach Mudge at 12:54 in the third period, and M1 Illinois ^ University of got as close as 4-3 when Austin Zima scored 18:01 into the third period.

The Fighting Illini's power play was ineffective against the Stallions' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

M1 Western Michigan University excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in seven chances. The Stallions forced M1 Illinois ^ University of goalie Zev Grumet-Morris to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots. M1 Western Michigan University could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 20 minutes in penalties during the game.

M1 Western Michigan University also had goals scored by Cole Kapovich, Matthew Williams, and Christian Sana, who each put in one. More assists for M1 Western Michigan University came via Joey Olmsted, who had two and Jesse Cameron and Richard Zehnal, who contributed one each.

The Fighting Illini found themselves short handed often, totaling 16 penalty minutes and allowing four power plays. By firing 41 shots on goal, M1 Illinois ^ University of exceeded the 0.4 shots it averages per game this year.

The Fighting Illini were led by Josh Belmont, who registered two goals and one assist. Belmont scored the first of his two goals at 12:15 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Andrew Wicklin assisted on the tally. Belmont's next tally made the score 3-2 M1 Western Michigan University with 4:47 left in the second period. In addition, M1 Illinois ^ University of received assists from Jack Soneson and Chris Lozinak, who each chipped in one.

Brandon Haase recorded 38 saves for the Stallions. Grumet-Morris rejected 29 shots on goal for M1 Illinois ^ University of.