A hat trick by Josh McQuade was the highlight in FireAntz's 5-3 win against the Columbus Cottonmouths.

The Fayetteville FireAntz kept Columbus' goalie busy throughout the game, and Ian Vigier made 26 saves on 31 shots.

John Clewlow also scored for Fayetteville. More assists for Fayetteville came via Marco Emond, Mike Kavanagh, Mike Gurtler, Ben Contini, and Andrew Smale, who each chipped in one and Aaron Atwell and Anthony Bergin, who contributed two a piece.

The Cottonmouths' defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. Columbus averages 2.5 goals allowed per game. With 31 shots on target during the contest, the Cottonmouths exceeded the 22.8 shots they average per game this year.

Columbus was led by Sam Bowles, who had two goals. Bowles scored the first of his two goals short handed at 22 seconds into the third period to make the score 2-2. Kevin Kessler picked up the assist. Bowles' next tally short handed made the score 3-3 with 15:14 left in the third period. The Cottonmouths had gotten the advantage when Fayetteville's Kavanagh was sent off for tripping. Bret Tyler provided the assist. Columbus also got a goal from Mark Thorburn as well.

Emond recorded 28 saves for the FireAntz. Fayetteville totaled 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 1-for-4 on the power play. Columbus totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 1-for-3 on the power play.