The Columbus Cottonmouths could not stop the Huntsville Havoc's Nick Lazorko, who tallied a hat trick in a 3-2 win.

Huntsville put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Columbus to score on any of its three power plays. The Havoc relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Lazorko, Dominic Osman and Mike Gurtler took 20 of the team's 35 shots.

More assists for Huntsville came via Rob Florentino and Eric Alexander, who each chipped in one.

The Cottonmouths racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with six minors and two majors for 32 minutes in penalty time. Columbus surpassed its season average of 23.0 penalty minutes per game. The Cottonmouths stifled Huntsville's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Columbus' offense was clicking better than usual and put 36 shots on goal during the game, better than the 23.8 shots per game it averages.

The Cottonmouths were led by Jordan Draper, who finished with one goal and one assist. Draper scored 15:33 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Columbus. Kyle Johnson assisted on the tally. Sam Bowles also scored for Columbus. In addition, Columbus received assists from Matt Gingera, who had one.

Jesse Kallechy recorded 34 saves for the Havoc. Huntsville totaled 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors and two majors and went 0-for-5 on the power play. Columbus' Shannon Szabados stopped 32 shots out of the 35 that he faced.