The Pittsburgh Vengeance beat the Minnesota Flying Aces, 4-2, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

Pittsburgh took over the lead for good with a goal by Nicholas Santiago at 8:03 in the first period. A checking from behind penalty on AJ Gullickson had put the Vengeance on the power play. Tom Diffendal picked up the assist.

Santiago and Diffendal provided the spark for Pittsburgh, combining for three goals and three assists. Santiago grabbed two goals and one assist and Diffendal also notched one goal and two assists.

Minnesota's power play was ineffective against the Vengeance's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Pittsburgh additionally got points from Diffendal, who also had one goal and two assists. Pittsburgh also got a goal from Lukas Friberger as well. More assists for Pittsburgh came via Tyler Speis, who had one and Joseph Randazzo, who had two.

Other players who recorded assists for Minnesota were Blake Anderson, who had two and Eric Cruickshank and Jake Mullendore, who each chipped in one.

Pittsburgh's Chase Stanford stopped 22 shots out of the 24 that he faced. The Vengeance incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. The Flying Aces' starting goalie, Mike Stumpf, made six saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Jaxson Gosnell, who stopped 15 shots. Minnesota incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.