The Columbus Cottonmouths relied on the sparkling performance of Shannon Szabados in net to grab a 3-1 win against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Columbus was led by Cody Freeman, who racked up one goal. Freeman scored 13:16 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Andy Bathgate provided the assist.

Others who scored for Columbus included Andy Willigar and Tyler Henry, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Louis Belisle, Patrick McCadden, and Al Graves, who each chipped in one.

Knoxville managed to stay out of the box better than usual, finishing with one minor for two minutes in penalty time. The Ice Bears ended up below its season average of 16.0 penalty minutes per game. With 33 shots on target during the contest, Knoxville exceeded the 24.9 shots it averages per game this year.

The Ice Bears were led by Doug Reid, who scored the team's only goal. Reid scored on the power play 19:43 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Knoxville earned a power play opportunity when Willigar was put in the box for hooking. Jason Price picked up the assist.

Szabados recorded 32 saves for the Cottonmouths. Columbus incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Brian Billett made 26 saves for the Ice Bears on 28 shots. Knoxville registered one goal on three power play opportunities.