The Knoxville Ice Bears had a three-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 4-1 win over the Fayetteville FireAntz.

Fayetteville was stymied by Knoxville's netminder Brian Billett, who stopped 34 shots during the victory. The solid play of Billett will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 2.25.

The Ice Bears were paced by Dennis Sicard, who grabbed one goal. Sicard scored 9:31 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Knoxville. Trever Hertz picked up the assist.

Knoxville racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with eight minors and two majors for 26 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 16.0 minutes per game the Ice Bears had been spending in the box. Knoxville's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Fayetteville power plays. With 24 shots on target during the contest, the Ice Bears exceeded the 19.3 shots they average per game this year.

Garrett Vermeersch also scored for Knoxville. Other players who recorded assists for Knoxville were Corey Hale, who had two and Mark Pustin, Zack LaRue, and Adam Sedlak, who each chipped in one.

The FireAntz's penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 12 minors and two majors for 34 minutes in penalty time. Fayetteville surpassed its season average of 21.0 penalty minutes per game. The defense for the FireAntz played an important role offensively, racking up 18 shots on goal. Fayetteville forced Knoxville goalie Billett to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots.

The FireAntz were led by Bennett Schneider, who took one shot.

The Ice Bears registered two goals on 10 power play opportunities. Fayetteville's starting goalie, Parker Van Buskirk, made 16 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Dustin Carlson, who stopped four shots.