In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Peoria Rivermen escaped with a 6-5 victory over the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Mike Gurtler's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Gurtler had a great game for Peoria, netting two goals.

The Rivermen stifled Knoxville's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Peoria's goal total was higher than its season average. The Rivermen have scored at the pace of 3.6 goals per game during the current campaign. Peoria's defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. The Rivermen give up 2.3 goals per game. Peoria's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Peoria additionally got points from Dave Pszenyczny, who also registered two goals and one assist and Matt Summers, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Chris Wilson also scored for Peoria. In addition, Peoria received assists from Walker Wintoneak, who had two, Adam Stuart, who had three, and Mark Corbett, Ben Oskroba, and Cody Dion, who contributed one each.

The Ice Bears outdid their season average for goals scored. Knoxville averages 2.8 goals per game. The Ice Bears' penalty kill was ineffective, and let in two goals to the Rivermen's power play unit. Knoxville relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Doug Reid, Zack LaRue and Mark Pustin took 16 of the team's 25 shots.

Knoxville also got points from Pustin, who also finished with one goal and two assists, LaRue, who also had one goal and two assists, and John Clewlow, who also registered one goal and one assist. More assists for Knoxville came via Rich Ledy, Jake Flegel, Andrew Bonazza, and Jason Price, who each chipped in one.

David Jacobson made seven saves before being replaced by Kyle Rank, who took the win and made 13 saves. Peoria ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Brian Billett recorded 19 saves for the Ice Bears. Knoxville totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 0-for-3 on the power play. The Ice Bears ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Corey Fulton was ejected from the game.