The Toledo Cherokee tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Three Rivers Vengeance would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 5-4.

Three Rivers took a 5-3 lead during the third period, only to have Toledo storm back on a Alec Gerred goal 4:53 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Thomas Leistner was all over the ice for the Vengeance, as he finished with two goals in the win. Leistner found the back of the net 4:24 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Three Rivers and again while on the power play 15:34 into the first to make the score 2-0 Three Rivers.

Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with three goals.

Three Rivers also got a goal from Kevin Kenny as well. More assists for Three Rivers came via Tyler Berry, Cory Myers, and Alex Berardinelli, who contributed one a piece.

The Cherokee's offense rang up 44 shots on Three Rivers' net. Toledo was hit hard by penalties in the contest, and totaled nine minors and one major for 33 minutes in penalty time.

The Cherokee were helped by Connor Crowe, who tallied one goal. Crowe scored 19:37 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Three Rivers. Andrew Benyo provided the assist. Toledo also got points from Gerred, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Tyler Zalecki also scored for Toledo. In addition, Toledo received assists from Jordan Prewitt, Brett Podgorski, and Austin Turner, who each chipped in one.

Tyler Stepke recorded 40 saves for the Vengeance. Three Rivers totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 2-for-6 on the power play. Toledo took out Nathan Miller after he had made 14 saves and installed Josh Cliff in goal, where he finished with eight saves and the loss. The Cherokee registered one goal on one power play opportunities. For Toledo, Brody Duncan was ejected from the game.