The Knoxville Ice Bears beat the Fayetteville FireAntz, 5-3, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

LaRue had two goals and one assist to lead the Ice Bears.

Fayetteville's power play was ineffective against Knoxville's penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

The Ice Bears' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled nine minors and two majors for 38 minutes in penalty time. Knoxville surpassed its season average of 16.0 penalty minutes per game. The Ice Bears stifled the FireAntz's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Knoxville put 23 shots on net during the contest, more than the 20.5 it averages per game. The Ice Bears surpassed their usual scoring output this season. Knoxville averages 2.9 goals per game.

Knoxville additionally got points from Pustin, who also had one goal and two assists. Knoxville also had goals scored by Dan McDougall and Dennis Sicard, who each put in one. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Garrett Vermeersch, Jason Price, and Trever Hertz, who each chipped in one and Brad Pawlowski and Doug Reid, who contributed two each.

Fayetteville was hit hard by penalties in the contest, and totaled six minors and two majors for 22 minutes in penalty time. The 31 shots that the FireAntz put on net surpassed Fayetteville's average of 24.0 shots per game this season.

The FireAntz were helped by Josh McQuade, who tallied one goal. McQuade scored 10:45 into the second period to make the score 4-3 Knoxville. Bennett Schneider provided the assist. Others who scored for Fayetteville included Nick Lazorko and Joseph Manno, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Fayetteville were Devin Stuermer, who had two and Kyle Gibbons, Cole Wilson, and James Gabrione, who each chipped in one.

Bryan Hince recorded 28 saves for the Ice Bears. Knoxville registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Parker Van Buskirk made 18 saves for Fayetteville on 23 shots.