M2 Northern Illinois University gutted out a close 5-3 win against M2 Saint Thomas University of.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Erik Gavert at 15:52 of the third period.

Justin Rucinski had two goals and two assists to lead M2 Northern Illinois University. Rucinski scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 13:55 into the second period to make the score 1-1. A slashing penalty on Dylan Skule had put M2 Northern Illinois University on the power play. Nick Leon picked up the assist. Rucinski's next tally on the power play made the score 5-3 M2 Northern Illinois University with 41 seconds left in the third period. Thomas Turner assisted on the tally.

M2 Saint Thomas University of's power play was ineffective against M2 Northern Illinois University's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

M2 Northern Illinois University kept M2 Saint Thomas University of's goalie busy throughout the game, and Zach Boughton made 42 saves on 47 shots. M2 Northern Illinois University could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.

M2 Northern Illinois University additionally got points from Leon, who also registered one goal and one assist. Eric Svejda also scored for M2 Northern Illinois University. In addition, M2 Northern Illinois University received assists from Brandon Niedziela, who had one.

M2 Saint Thomas University of forced M2 Northern Illinois University goalie Jacob Leon to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots. M2 Saint Thomas University of found itself short handed often, totaling 24 penalty minutes and allowing six power plays.

M2 Saint Thomas University of was led by Wyatt Dove, who finished with one goal and one assist. Dove scored 10:50 into the second period to make the score 1-0 M2 Saint Thomas University of. Tyler Hayes picked up the assist. Others who scored for M2 Saint Thomas University of included Jared Inserra and Tanner Ahlborn, who scored one goal each.

Leon recorded 30 saves for M2 Northern Illinois University.