The Columbus Cottonmouths and the Huntsville Havoc were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Columbus made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-3.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Neilsson Arcibal's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

Arcibal had two goals and one assist to lead the Cottonmouths. Arcibal scored the first of his two goals at 4:20 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Columbus. Bryce Williamson picked up the assist. Arcibal's next tally made the score 3-2 Columbus with 2:54 left in the second period. Williamson provided the assist.

Columbus also got points from Craig Simchuk, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Columbus included Will Aide and Matt Gingera, who scored one goal each. In addition, Columbus received assists from Levi Lind, who had one.

Huntsville's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Columbus power plays. By firing 33 shots on goal, the Havoc exceeded the 23.3 shots they average per game this year.

Huntsville was helped by Frank Schumacher, who racked up one goal. Schumacher scored 7:51 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Huntsville. Colin Hekle picked up the assist. Huntsville additionally got points from Luke Greiner, who also had one goal and one assist. Jacob Johnstone also scored for Huntsville. More assists for Huntsville came via Curtis Megginson, who had one and Drew Akins, who had two.

Shannon Szabados made 30 saves for Columbus on 33 shots. The Cottonmouths ended with nine minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major. Kevin Genoe rejected 24 shots on goal for the Havoc. Huntsville totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-1 on the power play.