The Columbus Cottonmouths tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Peoria Rivermen held on for a 3-2 victory.

Peoria took a 3-1 lead during the second period, only to have Columbus storm back on a Jordan Draper goal 15 seconds into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Rivermen pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 12 penalty minutes.

Peoria stifled the Cottonmouths' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Rivermen put 26 shots on net during the contest, more than the 22.3 they average per game.

Peoria was helped by Taylor Larsen, who tallied one goal. Larsen scored 7:46 into the second period to make the score Peoria. Nick Prockow assisted on the tally. Peoria also had goals scored by Garrett Vermeersch and Tyler Amburgey, who each put in one. More assists for Peoria came via Steve Morra, who had one and Parker Stanfield, who had two.

Columbus put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Rivermen to score on any of their four power plays. Peoria was unable to stop the Cottonmouths from sending pucks towards the net, and Columbus eventually piled up 31 shots on goal.

Columbus also got a goal from Dan Bremner as well. In addition, Columbus received assists from Levi Lind, Matt Gingera, and Chris Bailer, who each chipped in one.

The Rivermen's Kyle Rank stopped 29 shots out of the 31 that he faced. Andrew Loewen made 23 saves for the Cottonmouths on 26 shots. Columbus incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.