The game between the Columbus Cottonmouths and the Fayetteville FireAntz was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end Columbus emerged with a 4-2 win.

The Cottonmouths gained the winning advantage on a goal by Kyle Thomas 14:58 into the second period and hung on until final buzzer.

Columbus was paced by Thomas, who grabbed one goal.

The Cottonmouths' offense was clicking better than usual and put 46 shots on goal during the game, better than the 30.3 shots per game they average.

Columbus also had goals scored by Louis Belisle, Neilsson Arcibal, and Max Cook, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Patrick McCadden, Levi Lind, and Shawn Bates, who each chipped in one and Craig Simchuk and Andy Willigar, who contributed two each.

Fayetteville was helped by Derek Elliott, who had one goal. Elliott scored 12:02 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Fayetteville. Mike Kavanagh picked up the assist. Randy Cameron also scored for Fayetteville. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from John Clewlow, who had one and Zach Carriveau, who had two.

Andrew Loewen recorded 27 saves for Columbus. The Cottonmouths totaled 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors and went 0-for-2 on the power play. The FireAntz's Jordan Tibbett stopped 42 shots out of the 46 that he faced. Fayetteville totaled 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors and went 0-for-2 on the power play.