The Knoxville Ice Bears could not stop the Columbus Cottonmouths' Shawn Bates, who tallied a hat trick in a 6-2 win.

Columbus put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Knoxville to score on any of its five power plays. The Cottonmouths surpassed their usual scoring output this season. Columbus averages 2.7 goals per game. The Cottonmouths relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Bryce Williamson, Bates and Mike Switzer took 14 of the team's 27 shots.

Columbus additionally got points from Switzer, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Columbus also had goals scored by Craig Simchuk and Matt Gingera, who each put in one. More assists for Columbus came via Tyler MacPherson, Patrick McCadden, Kyle Thomas, and Andy Willigar, who contributed one each.

The Ice Bears' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six Columbus power plays.

Knoxville was helped by Francis Drolet, who had one goal. Drolet scored 11:58 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Robbie Donahoe picked up the assist. Eric Satim also scored for Knoxville. Other players who recorded assists for Knoxville were Ryan Salvis, who had one.

Columbus' Andrew Loewen stopped 23 shots out of the 25 that he faced. The Cottonmouths ended with 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major. Braely Torris made 21 saves for the Ice Bears on 27 shots. Knoxville ended with 19 minutes in penalty time with seven minors and one major.