The Columbus Cottonmouths came close to giving away a three-goal lead to the Louisiana IceGators, but did just enough to escape with a 5-3 victory.

Columbus led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Cottonmouths' Matt Gingera's scored at 12:30 in the first period to put Columbus up 3-0.

Louisiana's power play was ineffective against the Cottonmouths' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Columbus was led by Brett Hammond, who grabbed one goal. Hammond scored on the power play 5:00 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Columbus. The Cottonmouths had gotten the advantage when the IceGators' Kirk Byczynski was sent off for hooking. Sam Bowles picked up the assist.

Columbus racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with nine minors and two majors for 28 minutes in penalty time. The Cottonmouths had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. Columbus bested its season scoring average. This season, the Cottonmouths average 2.7 goals per contest. With 31 shots on target during the contest, Columbus exceeded the 26.1 shots it averages per game this year.

Columbus additionally got points from Tom Maldonado, who also racked up one goal and two assists to lead the team in points and Jason Yuel, who also had one goal and one assist. Columbus also got a goal from Biff McNally as well. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were John Sullivan, Jordan Braid, and Levi Lind, who each chipped in one.

The Louisiana penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and two majors for 24 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19.0 minutes per game the IceGators had been spending in the box. The 32 shots that Louisiana put on net surpassed the IceGators' average of 24.0 shots per game this season.

Louisiana was helped by Robert Short, who tallied one goal. Short scored short handed 4:21 into the third period to make the score 3-3. Denny Kearney assisted on the tally. Louisiana also got points from Marc Andre Carre, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Matt Miller also scored for Louisiana. More assists for Louisiana came via Shawn McNeil, who had two.

Ian Vigier made 29 saves for the Cottonmouths on 32 shots. Columbus registered one goal on six power play opportunities. Riley Gill recorded 26 saves for the IceGators.