Mississippi RiverKings gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Mississippi RiverKings gained the winning advantage on a goal by Jeff Topilko 19:32 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Mississippi RiverKings pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 23 penalty minutes.

Mississippi RiverKings was sparked by Topilko, who racked up one goal.

Mississippi RiverKings relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Darrell Stoddard, Kyle Lundale and Matt Whitehead took 20 of the team's 38 shots.

Mississippi RiverKings also got points from Whitehead, who also registered one goal and one assist. Mississippi RiverKings also got a goal from Mark Magnowski as well. More assists for Mississippi RiverKings came via Justin MacDonald, Nick Vandenbeld, and Chevan Wilson, who each chipped in one.

The Knoxville penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and one major for 21 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 18.0 minutes per game the Ice Bears had been spending in the box. Knoxville put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Mississippi RiverKings to score on any of its five power plays. The Ice Bears put 37 shots on net during the contest, more than the 29.4 they average per game.

Knoxville was helped by David Segal, who grabbed one goal. Segal scored 17:24 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Knoxville. Eric Slais picked up the assist. Emery Olauson also scored for Knoxville. Other players who recorded assists for Knoxville were Ricky Helmbrecht, who had one and Kevin Swider, who had two.

Mississippi RiverKings' Scott Darling stopped 35 shots out of the 37 that he faced. Kyle Rank rejected 35 shots on goal for the Ice Bears. Knoxville registered one goal on six power play opportunities.