Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U tried its best to erase a two-goal deficit, but Atlanta Fire 18U would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 2-1.

A goal by Kinean Badger put Atlanta Fire 18U up 2-0 in the third period, but Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U pulled to within one on Trevor Recktenwald's tally 16:37 into the third period.

Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U was stymied by Atlanta Fire 18U netminder Nick Bretzger, who stopped 51 shots during the victory. The solid play of Bretzger will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 3.53.

Atlanta Fire 18U excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in eight chances. Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U's defense shut down Atlanta Fire 18U's forwards for much of the game, and Atlanta Fire 18U got off only 12 shots during the contest. Atlanta Fire 18U could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 35 minutes in penalties during the game.

Atlanta Fire 18U additionally got points from Zach Schingoethe, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. More assists for Atlanta Fire 18U came via Mitchell McLean, Jon Flaig, and Alex Sauer, who contributed one a piece.

Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and two majors for 38 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19.0 minutes per game Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U had been spending in the box. Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U forced Atlanta Fire 18U goalie Bretzger to work between the pipes, taking 52 shots.

In addition, Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U received assists from Cole Hepler and Carmen Dalesandro, who each chipped in one.

Atlanta Fire 18U registered two goals on eight power play opportunities. Atlanta Fire 18U ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Sauer was ejected from the game. Cameron Langham rejected 10 shots on goal for Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U. For Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U, Connor Cash was ejected from the game.