The Knoxville Ice Bears took the lead against the Fayetteville FireAntz in the first period and maintained it until the end of the game to secure a tight 3-1 victory.

A goal 13:35 into the first period by Mark Pustin proved to be the game winner, and powered Knoxville to the victory. The Ice Bears had taken the advantage when Fayetteville's Cole Wilson got sent off for hooking. Brad Pawlowski picked up the assist.

Knoxville was led by goalie Brian Billett, who finished with 30 saves while allowing one goal. The solid play of Billett will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 1.92.

The Ice Bears were led by Pustin, who grabbed one goal.

Knoxville racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with five minors and five majors for 35 minutes in penalty time. The Ice Bears surpassed its season average of 16.0 penalty minutes per game.

Knoxville also got points from Pawlowski, who also racked up one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Andrew Bonazza also scored for Knoxville. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Jason Price and Corey Hale, who contributed one each.

The FireAntz were often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and five majors for 37 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 21.0 minutes per game Fayetteville had been spending in the box. The FireAntz's offense rang up 31 shots on Knoxville's net.

Fayetteville was led by Kyle Gibbons, who scored the team's only goal. Gibbons scored on the power play 12:48 into the first period to make the score 1-1. An interference penalty on Price had put the FireAntz on the power play. Josh McQuade assisted on the tally.

The Ice Bears registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Dustin Carlson recorded 18 saves for Fayetteville. The FireAntz registered one goal on five power play opportunities.