Bret Tyler had one goal and two assists to lead the Columbus Cottonmouths to a 5-2 victory over Mississippi Surge.

Tyler beat Kiefer Smiley with a shot 17:07 into the first period on the power play to make the score 1-1. A tripping penalty on Trent Bonnett had put Columbus on the power play. Sam Bowles assisted on the tally. Tyler dished an assist on Jordan Braid's goal that made the score 4-1 Columbus at 13:17 into the second period. He added another helper on Levi Lind's goal that made the score 5-2 Columbus at 11:11 into the third period.

The Cottonmouths' penalty kill excelled, as Columbus gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

The Cottonmouths racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with eight minors and two majors for 26 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 18.0 minutes per game Columbus had been spending in the box. The Cottonmouths put 28 shots on net during the contest, more than the 25.4 they average per game. Columbus bested its season scoring average. The Cottonmouths have scored at the pace of 2.9 goals per game during the current campaign. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

Tom Maldonado also scored for Columbus. More assists for Columbus came via Matt Gingera, who had two and Kevin Kessler, Biff McNally, Brett Hammond, and Alex MacLeod, who contributed one a piece.

Mississippi Surge was often in penalty trouble, totaling seven minors and two majors for 24 minutes in penalty time. Mississippi Surge surpassed its season average of 21.0 penalty minutes per game. The 41 shots that Mississippi Surge put on net surpassed Mississippi Surge's average of 25.7 shots per game this season.

Mississippi Surge was helped by Jeff Grant, who tallied one goal. Grant scored short handed 9:39 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Mississippi Surge. Mississippi Surge played down a man on Corey Tamblyn's hooking. Branden Kosolofsky provided the assist. Mississippi Surge also got a goal from James Isaacs as well. In addition, Mississippi Surge received assists from Tommy Lange, who had one.

Andrew Loewen recorded 39 saves for Columbus. The Cottonmouths registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Mississippi Surge's Smiley stopped 23 shots out of the 28 that he faced.