The Quad City Jr. Flames tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Minnesota Flying Aces held on for a 5-4 victory.

Minnesota made the score 5-3 on a goal by Jarrett Pfeiffer at 15:29 in the third period, and Quad City got as close as 5-4 when Luke McCarthy scored 19:48 into the third period.

Pfeiffer had two goals and one assist to lead the Flying Aces. Pfeiffer scored the first of his two goals at 17:00 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Minnesota. Paul Sorenson picked up the assist. Pfeiffer's next tally made the score Minnesota with 4:31 left in the third period. Steve Wrzala provided the assist.

Minnesota forced Jr. Flames' goaltenders to work without much rest, firing 37 shots and forcing 32 saves. Michael Meadows made 25 stops and Tanner Jones made seven. The Flying Aces put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Jr. Flames to score on any of their four power plays.

Minnesota also got points from Pfeiffer, who also finished with two goals and one assist. Shota Niwa also scored for Minnesota. More assists for Minnesota came via Alex Lindenman, Joe Lampman, Tyler Pionk, Parker Tomczyk, and Blake Williams, who contributed one each.

Quad City's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Minnesota power plays. The Jr. Flames' offense efficiently hummed along to the tune of 33 shots put on Minnesota's net.

Quad City additionally got points from TJ West, who also tallied one goal and one assist and McCarthy, who also had one goal and one assist. Quad City got a goal from Anthony Caroselli as well. Other players who recorded assists for Quad City were Jake Nordenstrom, who had two and Will Becker and Toms Taurins, who each chipped in one.

Allen Patten made 29 saves for the Flying Aces on 33 shots. Minnesota incurred 62 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Quad City ended with 55 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.