Victor Gortz lifted the St. Louis Jr. Blues to an 8-1 victory with a hat trick against the Quad City Jr. Flames.

Gortz notched his first tally 1:47 into the first period. He then added goals at 5:07 into the second and at 12:09 into the third.

The win gave St. Louis a 1-0 lead in the best of five series.

The Jr. Blues scored early and often, and held a 4-0 advantage after the first 20 minutes of play.

St. Louis made Quad City's goaltenders to work in net, getting 57 shots and forcing 49 saves. Jake Leon made two stops and Robby Vukelich made 47. The Jr. Blues' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Quad City power plays.

St. Louis additionally got points from Cody Guidorzi, who also registered one goal and three assists and Brycon Johnson, who also finished with one goal and four assists to lead the team in points. St. Louis also got a goal from Jeremy Edwards as well. More assists for St. Louis came via Simon Koscielski, who had two and Kyle Meeh, Sam Turner, and Lucas Stewart, who contributed one a piece.

The Jr. Flames stifled St. Louis' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Quad City found itself stymied offensively, and got off a mere 14 shots against the Jr. Blues' defense.

Mikael Broliden rejected 13 shots on goal for St. Louis. The Jr. Blues incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Jr. Flames incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.