The Knoxville Ice Bears gutted out a close 5-3 win against Mississippi RiverKings.

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

Mississippi RiverKings' power play was ineffective against Knoxville's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

The Ice Bears were led by Kyle VanderMale, who had one goal. VanderMale scored 16:59 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Knoxville. Mike Towns provided the assist.

Knoxville forced Mississippi RiverKings goalie Scott Darling to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots. The Ice Bears could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 16 minutes in penalties during the game. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

Knoxville also got points from Mark Van Vliet, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Dan Bremner also scored for Knoxville. More assists for Knoxville came via Kevin Swider, who had two and Kyle Rank, Eric Slais, Emery Olauson, and David Segal, who contributed one a piece.

Mississippi RiverKings stifled Knoxville's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Mississippi RiverKings' defensemen bolstered Mississippi RiverKings' offensive attack, as they bombarded Rank with 16 shots. The 34 shots that Mississippi RiverKings put on net surpassed Mississippi RiverKings' average of 26.1 shots per game this season.

Mississippi RiverKings was helped by Darrell Stoddard, who grabbed one goal. Stoddard scored 15:57 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Matt Whitehead assisted on the tally. Mississippi RiverKings additionally got points from Mike Tuomi, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Mississippi RiverKings also got a goal from Kyle Lundale as well. In addition, Mississippi RiverKings received assists from Nick Vandenbeld, Gabriel Boutin-Gagnon, and Chevan Wilson, who each chipped in one.

Rank recorded 31 saves for the Ice Bears. Knoxville registered zero goals on four power play opportunities. Scott Darling made 28 saves for Mississippi RiverKings on 32 shots. Mississippi RiverKings incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.