The Columbus Cottonmouths climbed out of a two-goal hole to beat the Knoxville Ice Bears, 3-2.

Columbus never led in the game until netting the game winner. The Cottonmouths trailed 2-0 after a power play goal by Knoxville's Kevin Swider at 17:13 in the first period. Columbus tied things up at 2-2 on a power play goal by Sam Bowles at 13:17 in the third period. The Cottonmouths scored the game winner at 15:10 in the third period on a goal by Bowles.

Bowles had a great game for Columbus, netting two goals.

The Cottonmouths struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as they finished the game with 26 penalty minutes for five opposing power plays. Columbus relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Jesse Cole, Orrin Hergott and Bowles took 18 of the team's 33 shots.

Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Tim Green, Levi Lind, Kyle Lundale, Will Barlow, and Ryan McCarthy, who contributed one a piece.

The Ice Bears did not reach the goal total they have come to expect this season. Knoxville puts an average of 4.1 pucks into the net per game. With 38 shots on target during the contest, the Ice Bears exceeded the 30.6 shots they average per game this year.

Travis Hanson also scored for Knoxville. More assists for Knoxville came via B.J. Pelkey, who had two and Frank Furdero and Tim Vitek, who each chipped in one.

Ian Vigier made 36 saves for the Cottonmouths on 38 shots. Columbus registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Chad Collins recorded 30 saves for Knoxville. The Ice Bears ended with 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors and two majors.