Phoenix Firebirds 18U gutted out a close 5-4 win against Atlanta Fire 18U.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Jay Forbes's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Michael Rosholt and Forbes provided the spark for Phoenix Firebirds 18U, combining for three goals and one assist. Rosholt registered two goals and Forbes also added one goal and one assist.

Phoenix Firebirds 18U's goal total was higher than its season average. Phoenix Firebirds 18U averages 2.2 goals per game.

Phoenix Firebirds 18U additionally got points from Forbes, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Sean Winikates, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Reed Miller also scored for Phoenix Firebirds 18U. Other players who recorded assists for Phoenix Firebirds 18U were Preston Ames, Nikolay Knyzhov, and Auston Palumbo, who contributed one a piece and Jim Ericsson and Dylan Teed, who each chipped in two.

Atlanta Fire 18U was led by Peter Cicmanec, who had two goals and one assist. Cicmanec scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 14:31 into the second period to make the score 3-3. Atlanta Fire 18U had taken the advantage when Phoenix Firebirds 18U's Ericsson got sent off for tripping. Caleb Callaway picked up the assist. Cicmanec's next tally on the power play made the score 4-3 Atlanta Fire 18U with 17:52 left in the third period. Ivan Brvenik assisted on the tally. Atlanta Fire 18U also got points from Brvenik, who also registered one goal and one assist. Atlanta Fire 18U also got a goal from Justinas Joksas as well. In addition, Atlanta Fire 18U received assists from Seth Kamrass, Kyle Boucher, and Alex Sauer, who contributed one a piece.

Phoenix Firebirds 18U's Connor Walker stopped 16 shots out of the 20 that he faced. Phoenix Firebirds 18U incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors. Sean Barrett rejected 17 shots on goal for Atlanta Fire 18U. Atlanta Fire 18U incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors.