Michael McCann scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Peoria Rivermen held off the challenges of the Columbus Cottonmouths in a tough 3-1 win.

The Rivermen were led by goalie Eric Levine, who finished with 27 saves while allowing one goal. The solid play of Levine will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 1.47.

Peoria was sparked by Dan Bremner, who registered one goal. Bremner scored 16:02 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Peoria. Alex Hudson picked up the assist.

The Rivermen's penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled six minors and four majors for 42 minutes in penalty time. Peoria surpassed its season average of 27.0 penalty minutes per game. The Rivermen put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Columbus to score on any of its four power plays. The 36 shots that Peoria put on net surpassed the Rivermen's average of 19.9 shots per game this season.

Peoria additionally got points from Alexandre Carrier, who also racked up one goal and one assist. In addition, Peoria received assists from Cole Ruwe and Richie Zobak, who each chipped in one.

The Cottonmouths racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with seven minors and four majors for 34 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 22.0 minutes per game Columbus had been spending in the box. The Cottonmouths' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Peoria power plays.

Columbus was led by Mike Switzer, who scored the team's only goal. Switzer scored 18:23 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Peoria. Matt Gingera provided the assist.

Peoria ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Carrier was ejected from the game. Andrew Loewen recorded 33 saves for the Cottonmouths.