The Knoxville Ice Bears tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Augusta RiverHawks would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-3.

A goal by Pat Schafer put Augusta up 4-1 in the third period, but Knoxville pulled to within one on Nate Peterson's tally 17:36 into the third period.

Shawn Skelly had one goal and two assists to lead the RiverHawks. Skelly scored 7:32 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Augusta. Ian Watters picked up the assist.

Augusta also got a goal from Chad Ziegler as well. Other players who recorded assists for Augusta were Michael Switzer, Jason Price, Dennis Sicard, and Ian Jensen, who each chipped in one.

The Ice Bears excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. Knoxville's offense was clicking better than usual and put 49 shots on goal during the game, better than the 32.1 shots per game it averages.

The Ice Bears were helped by Berkley Scott, who finished with one goal. Scott scored on the power play 16:18 into the second period to make the score 1-1. A cross checking penalty on Ziegler had put Knoxville on the power play. Eric Satim assisted on the tally. Peter Neal also scored for Knoxville. More assists for Knoxville came via Shaun Arvai, Ricky Helmbrecht, Mark Van Vliet, Tyler Fernandez, and Emery Olauson, who contributed one a piece.

Robbie Moss made 46 saves for Augusta on 49 shots. The RiverHawks ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Connor Toomey rejected 21 shots on goal for the Ice Bears. Knoxville totaled 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 2-for-5 on the power play.