The Chicago Junior Bulldogs gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Peoria Mustangs.

Chicago gained the winning advantage on a goal by Toms Taurins 9:33 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Scott Schroeder had two goals to lead the Junior Bulldogs to victory. Schroeder scored on the power play at 4:13 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Chicago and again while 8:18 into the third to make the score 4-4.

Peoria fell victim to a deadly Chicago power play, which ripped the Mustangs for four goals.

The Junior Bulldogs kept Peoria's goalie busy throughout the game, and Nicholas Piech made 28 saves on 33 shots. Chicago found itself short handed often, totaling 33 penalty minutes and allowing seven power plays. The Junior Bulldogs got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed three goals during the game.

Chicago also got points from Henry Hearon, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Chicago were Matt Blaszkiewicz, Michael Ellis, Michael Howard, and Mike Holmes, who contributed one each and Tyler Seltenriech and Scott Coash Jr, who each chipped in two.

The Mustangs were often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and two majors for 32 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 26.0 minutes per game Peoria had been spending in the box. Chicago was unable to stop the Mustangs from sending pucks towards the net, and Peoria eventually piled up 32 shots on goal.

The Mustangs were led by Thomas Kolaz, who registered two goals and one assist. Kolaz scored the first of his two goals at 5:01 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Chicago. Andrew Scofield picked up the assist. Kolaz's next tally made the score 3-2 Peoria with 17:50 left in the third period. Peoria had taken the advantage when the Junior Bulldogs' Ellis got sent off for checking from behind. Kai Barber assisted on the tally. Peoria additionally got points from Scofield, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Chance Homerin also scored for Peoria. In addition, Peoria received assists from Joe Power Wayvon, who had one.

Troy Pierce made 29 saves for Chicago on 32 shots.