The Columbus Cottonmouths tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Pensacola Ice Flyers would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-2.

A goal by Cody Dion put Pensacola up 4-1 in the third period, but Columbus pulled to within two on Shawn Bates's tally 18:11 into the third period.

Adam Pawlick had two goals and one assist to lead the Ice Flyers. Pawlick scored the first of his two goals at 8:50 into the third period to make the score 1-1. Joe Caveney provided the assist. Pawlick's next tally made the score 2-1 Pensacola with 9:19 left in the third period. Corey Banfield picked up the assist.

Pensacola's penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and one major for 29 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 21.0 minutes per game the Ice Flyers had been spending in the box. Pensacola put 52 shots on net during the contest, more than the 26.4 it averages per game.

Pensacola additionally got points from Caveney, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Pensacola were Cole Ruwe, Dean Moore, and Michael Juola, who each chipped in one.

The Cottonmouths excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. The defense for Columbus played an important role offensively, racking up 10 shots on goal.

Columbus also got points from Andy Bathgate, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Columbus received assists from Kyle Johnson, who had one and Louis Belisle, who had two.

John McLean recorded 20 saves for the Ice Flyers. Shannon Szabados made 48 saves for the Cottonmouths on 52 shots. Columbus totaled 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 1-for-7 on the power play.