The Columbus Cottonmouths and Mississippi Surge were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Columbus made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-3.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Tory Allan secured the win for the Cottonmouths with a goal in the second period.

Columbus got the win behind a great game by Allan, who had two goals and one assist. Allan scored the first of his two goals at 17:09 into the second period to make the score 4-3 Columbus. Michael Switzer assisted on the tally. Allan's next tally made the score 5-3 Columbus with 11:04 left in the third period. The Cottonmouths had taken the advantage when Mississippi Surge's Mark Thorburn got sent off for boarding. Jason Gray picked up the assist.

Columbus was often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and three majors for 37 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 28.0 minutes per game the Cottonmouths had been spending in the box. Columbus took advantage of Mississippi Surge's penalties, tallying three goals off of four power play opportunities.

Columbus also got points from Neilsson Arcibal, who also registered one goal and one assist and Jordan Braid, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Will Aide also scored for Columbus. More assists for Columbus came via Steve Mele and Jordan Draper, who contributed one a piece.

The Mississippi Surge penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled six minors and two majors for 32 minutes in penalty time. Mississippi Surge had been averaging 17.0 minutes in penalties per game. Mississippi Surge put 29 shots on net during the contest, more than the 23.6 it averages per game.

Mississippi Surge was helped by Chapen LeBlond, who had one goal. LeBlond scored 12:33 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Jordan Peddle provided the assist. Others who scored for Mississippi Surge included Kyle Fletcher and Joe Tolles, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Mississippi Surge were Bill Baker, who had one and Kyle Kudroch and Casey Mignone, who contributed two a piece.

Andrew Loewen made 26 saves for the Cottonmouths on 29 shots. For Columbus, Aide was ejected from the game. Mathieu Dugas rejected 22 shots on goal for Mississippi Surge. Mississippi Surge registered one goal on five power play opportunities.