Jimmy Elser scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U held off the challenges of Esmark Stars 18U in a tough 1-0 win.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U took over the lead for good with a goal by Elser at 13:51 in the first period. Reed Robinson provided the assist.

Gio Podalinski spearheaded the defensive effort for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U, as he did not allow a puck past him and made 35 saves for the shutout. Podalinski certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.26 entering the contest.

Esmark Stars 18U's power play was ineffective against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U's penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on nine Esmark Stars 18U power plays. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U was held below its usual level of production. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U averages 3.3 goals per game. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U featured an improved defense during the game. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U averages 2.1 goals allowed per game.

Esmark Stars 18U stifled Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Esmark Stars 18U's offense operated below its season average. Esmark Stars 18U puts an average of 3.2 pucks into the net per game. Esmark Stars 18U's offense rang up 35 shots on Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U's net.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 18U incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Esmark Stars 18U's William Lowe III stopped 29 shots out of the 30 that he faced. Esmark Stars 18U incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors.