Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U gutted out a close 5-3 win against Lansing Capitals 18U.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Jacob Hetz at 6:30 of the third period.

Hetz was all over the ice for Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U, as he finished with two goals in the win.

Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U's penalty kill excelled, as Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U gave up one goal despite allowing seven power plays.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 15:36 into the first period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

The Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U penalty box was a busy place as the team totaled eight minors and two majors for 46 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 32 minutes per game Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U had been spending in the box. Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U kept Lansing Capitals 18U's goalie busy throughout the game, and Eric Lipon made 29 saves on 34 shots. Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U was ineffective while on the power play, as it was held to two goals off of 10 man advantages.

Others who scored for Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U included Jake Pilewicz, who had one and Heinz Koster, who had two. Other players who recorded assists for Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U were Austin Heakins, who had two, Zak Kindya, who had three, and Joe Bender, Michael Cheswick, Nick Schultz, Clayton Bouchard, and Ryan Demyen, who contributed one each.

Lansing Capitals 18U was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and one major for 63 minutes in penalty time. Lansing Capitals 18U surpassed its season average of 38 penalty minutes per game. Lansing Capitals 18U's defense was uncharacteristically lax during the game. Lansing Capitals 18U averages two goals allowed per game. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

Lansing Capitals 18U was led by Ryan Polin, who registered two goals. Polin scored the first of his two goals at 10:06 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U. Polin's next tally made the score 3-2 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U with 3:45 left in the second period. A tripping penalty on Schultz had put Lansing Capitals 18U on the power play. Jordan Wood provided the assist. Lansing Capitals 18U got a goal from Ben Avila as well.

Cheswick recorded 21 saves for Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U. For Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U, Peter Karney and Elliot Tisdale were ejected from the contest. Team's Anthony Strzalkowski and Brennan Sanford were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.