Danny Cesarz registered two points to lead the Knoxville Ice Bears to a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Cottonmouths.

Knoxville forced Columbus goalie Brandon Jaeger to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.

Dennis Sicard also scored for Knoxville. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Jason Price, who had one.

The Cottonmouths were often in penalty trouble, totaling five minors and two majors for 20 minutes in penalty time. Columbus surpassed its season average of 17.0 penalty minutes per game. The Cottonmouths' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Knoxville power plays. Columbus relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Shawn Bates, Louis Belisle and John Jackson took 12 of the team's 21 shots.

The Cottonmouths were led by Andy Bathgate, who scored the team's only goal. Bathgate scored 8:45 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Columbus.

Bryan Hince made two saves before being replaced by Brian Billett, who took the win and made 18 saves. The Ice Bears ended with 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors. Brandon Jaeger made 35 saves for Columbus on 37 shots. The Cottonmouths registered zero goals on two power play opportunities.