The Fayetteville FireAntz gutted out a close 4-2 win against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Fayetteville gained the winning advantage on a goal by Josh McQuade 13:18 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

The FireAntz were paced by McQuade, who racked up one goal.

Fayetteville stifled Knoxville's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. With 39 shots on target during the contest, the FireAntz exceeded the 29.1 shots they average per game this year.

Fayetteville additionally got points from Derek Elliott, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Bobby Reed, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Fayetteville also got a goal from Anthony Bergin as well. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from John Clewlow, Brandon Richardson, and Mike Gurtler, who each chipped in one.

The Ice Bears excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances.

Knoxville was helped by Peter Neal, who grabbed one goal. Neal scored 14:04 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Fayetteville. Eric Satim provided the assist. Knoxville also got points from Tyler Fernandez, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Knoxville were Shaun Arvai and Mark Van Vliet, who contributed one a piece.

Marco Emond rejected 28 shots on goal for Fayetteville. The FireAntz ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Bryan Hince recorded 35 saves for the Ice Bears. Knoxville totaled 21 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 0-for-5 on the power play.