Ben Power scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Knoxville Ice Bears held off the challenges of the Fayetteville FireAntz in a tough 5-3 win.

Francis Drolet had a great game for the Ice Bears, netting two goals. Drolet found the back of the net 12:39 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Knoxville and again while 10:52 into the third to make the score 4-2 Knoxville.

Knoxville excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances. The Ice Bears found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. Knoxville has scored at the pace of 2.9 goals per game during the current campaign. The 41 shots that the Ice Bears put on net surpassed Knoxville's average of 19.5 shots per game this season.

Knoxville additionally got points from Power, who also finished with one goal and two assists and Jason Price, who also registered one goal and one assist. Eric Satim also scored for Knoxville. More assists for Knoxville came via Ryan Salvis, who had three.

Fayetteville put 26 shots on net during the contest, more than the 22.0 it averages per game.

The FireAntz were helped by Josh McQuade, who registered two goals. McQuade scored the first of his two goals at 13:41 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Knoxville. Randy Cameron picked up the assist. McQuade's next tally made the score 3-2 Knoxville with 14:11 left in the third period. Fayetteville also got points from Matt Robertson, who also tallied one goal and one assist. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Mike Baird and Nick Horrigan, who contributed one each.

Bryan Hince recorded 23 saves for the Ice Bears. Knoxville totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play. Nick Horrigan made 36 saves for Fayetteville on 40 shots. The FireAntz ended with 19 minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major. For Fayetteville, McQuade was ejected from the game.