The Columbus Cottonmouths tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Knoxville Ice Bears held on for a 4-3 victory.

Knoxville made the score 4-2 on a goal by Francis Drolet at 7:17 in the second period, and Columbus got as close as 4-3 when Matt Gingera scored 7:34 into the third period.

Drolet had two goals and one assist to lead the Ice Bears. Drolet scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 3:27 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Knoxville. A slashing penalty on Levi Lind had put Knoxville on the power play. Eric Satim assisted on the tally. Drolet's next tally on the power play made the score Knoxville with 12:43 left in the second period. The Ice Bears earned a power play opportunity when Jordan Draper was put in the box for tripping. Satim picked up the assist.

Knoxville cashed in on power play opportunities, scoring two goals on three chances. The Ice Bears relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Berkley Scott, Drolet and Mark Van Vliet took 16 of the team's 31 shots.

Knoxville also got a goal from Peter Neal as well. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Brady Vandenberk and Tyler Klein, who contributed one each.

The Cottonmouths took advantage of Knoxville's penalties, tallying three goals off of five power play opportunities. The 39 shots that Columbus put on net surpassed the Cottonmouths' average of 27.0 shots per game this season.

Jason Gray also scored for Columbus. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Tom Maldonado, who had two and Sam Bowles and Andy Willigar, who each chipped in one.

Bryan Hince recorded 36 saves for the Ice Bears. Knoxville incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Shannon Szabados rejected 27 shots on goal for Columbus. The Cottonmouths incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.