Matt Whitehead scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and Mississippi RiverKings held off the challenges of Mississippi Surge in a tough 2-0 win.

Mississippi RiverKings took over the lead for good with a goal by Whitehead at 12:37 in the first period. Mississippi RiverKings earned a power play opportunity when Anthony Collins was put in the box for fighting. Matt Harrington picked up the assist.

Whitehead was all over the ice for Mississippi RiverKings, as he tallied two goals in the win.

David Wilson spearheaded the defensive effort for Mississippi RiverKings, as he did not allow a puck past him and made 29 saves for the shutout. The solid play of Wilson will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 3.25.

Mississippi RiverKings put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Mississippi Surge to score on any of its four power plays. Mississippi RiverKings put 25 shots on net during the contest, more than the 17.6 it averages per game.

Other players who recorded assists for Mississippi RiverKings were Mike MacDonald, Todd Hosmer, and Kyle Lundale, who each chipped in one.

Mississippi Surge did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. Mississippi Surge averages 3.0 goals per game. With 29 shots on target during the contest, Mississippi Surge exceeded the 18.7 shots it averages per game this year.

Mississippi Surge was led by Kyle VanderMale, who took four shots.

Mississippi RiverKings incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Mississippi Surge's Kiefer Smiley stopped 23 shots out of the 25 that he faced. Mississippi Surge ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.