The Knoxville Ice Bears gutted out a close 4-2 win against the Columbus Cottonmouths.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Francis Drolet secured the win for Knoxville with a goal in the third period.

The win by the Ice Bears clinched the best of three series at 2-1.

Drolet had two goals to lead Knoxville to victory.

The Ice Bears did not rack up many penalties in the contest, totaling only one minor for two minutes in penalty time. Knoxville relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Ben Power, Drolet and Ryan Salvis took 16 of the team's 26 shots.

Knoxville additionally got points from Power, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Knoxville also got a goal from Berkley Scott as well. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Eric Satim, who had two and Robbie Donahoe, Jason Price, and Dennis Sicard, who contributed one each.

Columbus' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Knoxville power plays. The Cottonmouths forced the Ice Bears goalie Bryan Hince to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.

Columbus was helped by Mike Switzer, who registered one goal. Switzer scored on the power play 5:30 into the third period to make the score 2-2. The Cottonmouths had gotten the advantage when Knoxville's Ryan Hill was sent off for hooking. Louis Belisle picked up the assist. Craig Simchuk also scored for Columbus. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Levi Lind, who had one.

The Ice Bears' Hince stopped 35 shots out of the 37 that he faced. Andrew Loewen rejected 22 shots on goal for Columbus. The Cottonmouths incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.