MC Monarchs beat Decatur Blaze, 5-3, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

MC Monarchs took over the lead for good with a goal by Anthony Wojciechowski at 17:59 in the first period. Justin Session assisted on the tally.

MC Monarchs got the win on the strength of a great game by Session, who had two goals and one assist. Session scored the first of his two goals at 14:45 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Wojciechowski picked up the assist. Session's next tally made the score 4-2 MC Monarchs with 13:29 left in the second period. Tory Shand provided the assist.

Decatur Blaze's power play was ineffective against MC Monarchs' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

MC Monarchs was often in penalty trouble, totaling 10 minors and one major for 25 minutes in penalty time. MC Monarchs had been averaging 18.0 minutes in penalties per game. MC Monarchs forced Decatur Blaze's goaltenders to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, totaling 38 shots and forcing 33 saves. Matthew Hatcher made 20 stops and Brandon Macak made 13. MC Monarchs' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on nine Decatur Blaze power plays.

MC Monarchs additionally got points from Wojciechowski, who also grabbed two goals and one assist to lead the team in points. MC Monarchs also got a goal from Jarrad Vroman as well. In addition, MC Monarchs received assists from Trevor Pode, who had two and Colton James, Andrew Robinson, Derrick Treppa, and Joseph Gibbs, who contributed one each.

Decatur Blaze forced MC Monarchs goalie Tyler Skulley to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots. Decatur Blaze gave up more goals than its normal season average. Decatur Blaze averages 2.5 goals allowed per game.

Decatur Blaze was led by Dylan Farmer, who registered one goal and two assists. Farmer scored 6:38 into the third period to make the score 4-3 MC Monarchs. Brandon Adler picked up the assist. Decatur Blaze also got points from Ryan Redpath, who also had one goal and one assist. Curtis Schlereth also scored for Decatur Blaze. More assists for Decatur Blaze came via Luka Znidarsic, who had one.

Skulley rejected 40 shots on goal for MC Monarchs. MC Monarchs registered one goal on seven power play opportunities. Decatur Blaze ended with 21 minutes in penalty time with eight minors and one major.