Cody Freeman scored the clinching goal in a shootout, and the Columbus Cottonmouths picked up the extra point in a 3-2 (3-0 SO) win over the Pensacola Ice Flyers.

The Cottonmouths overcame a two-goal deficit to capture the victory. Columbus was down 2-0 after a goal by Pensacola's Stephen Buco at 1:13 in the third period. The Cottonmouths tied things up at 2-2 on a goal by Levi Lind at 18:28 in the third period.

Columbus' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Pensacola power plays. The Cottonmouths' offense was clicking better than usual and put 31 shots on goal during the game, better than the 23.2 shots per game they average.

Columbus was helped by Chris Rial, who tallied one goal. Rial scored on the power play 8:46 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Pensacola. A high sticking penalty on Phil Tesoriero had put the Cottonmouths on the power play. Rusty Hafner picked up the assist. In addition, Columbus received assists from Andy Bathgate, who had one.

The Ice Flyers' offense rang up 38 shots on Columbus' net.

Pensacola was helped by Corey Banfield, who had one goal. Banfield scored 26 seconds into the third period to make the score 1-0 Pensacola. More assists for Pensacola came via Josh Cousineau and Joe Caveney, who contributed one each.

Brandon Jaeger made 36 saves for the Cottonmouths on 38 shots. Columbus incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. The Ice Flyers' John McLean stopped 28 shots out of the 30 that he faced. Pensacola incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.