In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Columbus Cottonmouths escaped with a 5-3 victory over the Huntsville Havoc.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Craig Simchuk secured the win for Columbus with a goal in the third period.

In a losing effort, Huntsville was led by Drew Akins, who tallied two goals. Akins scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 9:52 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Huntsville. The Havoc had gained a power play chance when Louis Belisle was whistled for slashing. Justin Cseter picked up the assist. Akins' next tally on the power play made the score 2-1 Huntsville with 19:09 left in the second period. Frank Schumacher assisted on the tally.

In the losing effort, Huntsville was led by Akins, who registered two goals.

The Cottonmouths' goal total was higher than their season average. This season, Columbus averages 2.8 goals per contest. The Cottonmouths put 32 shots on net during the contest, more than the 29.0 they average per game.

Columbus also got points from Levi Lind, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, Neilsson Arcibal, who also had one goal and one assist, and Bryce Williamson, who also finished with one goal and one assist. In addition, Columbus received assists from Matt Gingera, who had two and Patrick McCadden and Nick Curry, who each chipped in one.

The 29 shots that the Havoc put on net surpassed Huntsville's average of 20.5 shots per game this season.

Huntsville additionally got points from Lucas Van Natter, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Huntsville were Stuart Stefan, Luke Greiner, and Matt Viola, who contributed one each.

Columbus' Andrew Loewen stopped 26 shots out of the 29 that he faced. The Cottonmouths totaled 14 minutes in penalty time with two minors and two majors and went 1-for-3 on the power play. Jesse Kallechy made 27 saves for the Havoc on 31 shots. Huntsville totaled 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors and went 1-for-2 on the power play.