Although February is the shortest month of the year, it's felt as long as ever for the FireAntz as they've had to deal with many games in consecutive days and long roadtrips. Friday was the beginning of another test as Fayetteville took on the Knoxville Ice Bears, a team known for their physical play and top notch scorers.

It was a slow start for the Antz as Kyle McNeil and Corey Hale made it a 2-0 game just over three and a half minutes into the contest. Danny Cesarz then put the FireAntz on the ropes early to make it a 3-0 advantage, and that's where the Fayetteville bunch showed their fight. Joe Kalisz scored a power play goal at the end of the period to start the comeback charge.

The captain Bobby Chaumont made it just a one goal game as the lone scorer in the second period off of a wonderful feed from SPHL points leader Tayler Thompson. The FireAntz newest member Jesse Paradis then tied the game at the 8:22 mark of the final period of regulation. Former FireAntz forward Berkley Scott had a chance to end it with a penalty shot, but it rose high above Sean Bonar and the game headed to overtime. With the score remaining 3-3, the shootout would decide the winner. The FireAntz had not lost in a shootout so far this season, but none of their shooters got one in the net, and Jake Rivera won it for Knoxville.

On Satruday, the FireAntz traveled to Columbus, GA where the game began with a touching puck drop from injured Cottonmouths goaltender Brandon Jaeger. The play in goal would prove to be the story of the night as both Sean Bonar and Spencer Bacon put on a clinic of athletic saves. Joe Harcharik's power play goal in the second period proved to be the only tally as the FireAntz picked up their 25th win of the season, and Bonar earning his league leading fourth shutout. 

Fayetteville has a short break as the next game will be this Tuesday night in the Crown Coliseum against Roanoke. The FireAntz will then take to the road for another three games in as many days.