The Peoria Mustangs tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the West Michigan Wolves would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-1.

A goal by Steven Rhodes put West Michigan up 3-0 in the second period, but Peoria pulled to within two on Kai Barber's tally 16:58 into the third period.

The Mustangs were stymied by the Wolves' netminder Hunter Vorva, who stopped 30 shots during the victory. Vorva managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 2.08 prior to the game.

West Michigan's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Peoria power plays.

The Wolves were helped by Sean Smalley, who grabbed one goal. Smalley scored 12:48 into the second period to make the score 2-0 West Michigan. Dakota Ulmer assisted on the tally. West Michigan additionally got points from Josh Somers, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, West Michigan received assists from Corey Siwula, Mike Difranco, and Kyle Keeder, who each chipped in one.

Peoria could not produce up to its normal offensive output. The Mustangs put an average of 4.1 pucks into the net per game. Peoria's offense rang up 31 shots on West Michigan's net.

The Wolves totaled 26 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors and went 1-for-4 on the power play. Marc Hayton made 22 saves for the Mustangs on 25 shots. Peoria ended with 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.