The Columbus Cottonmouths tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Peoria Rivermen would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 2-1.

A goal by Kyle Fletcher put Peoria up 2-0 in the second period, but Columbus pulled to within one on Matt Gingera's tally 8:26 into the third period.

Fletcher had two goals to lead the Rivermen to victory.

Peoria excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. With 36 shots on target during the contest, the Rivermen exceeded the 21.0 shots they average per game this year.

Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Garrett Vermeersch, Alec Hagaman, and Tyler Amburgey, who contributed one each.

The Cottonmouths average 27.4 shots on goal per game, but only sent 17 pucks on net against Peoria.

More assists for Columbus came via Kyle Johnson and Neilsson Arcibal, who each chipped in one.

Kyle Rank rejected 16 shots on goal for the Rivermen. Peoria totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play. Andrew Loewen made 34 saves for Columbus on 36 shots. The Cottonmouths ended with 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major.