The Columbus Cottonmouths relied on the sparkling performance of Ian Vigier in net to grab a 3-1 win against the Huntsville Havoc.

Huntsville's power play was ineffective against Columbus' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

The Cottonmouths were led by Sam Bowles, who grabbed one goal. Bowles scored 5:25 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Mark Thorburn assisted on the tally.

Columbus racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with nine minors and two majors for 38 minutes in penalty time. The Cottonmouths had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. Columbus excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in six chances. The Cottonmouths' offense was clicking better than usual and put 31 shots on goal during the game, better than the 22.6 shots per game they average.

Columbus also got points from Thorburn, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Columbus also got a goal from Derek Pallardy as well. More assists for Columbus came via Kevin Kessler, who had one and Jordan Braid and Matt Gingera, who contributed two a piece.

The Havoc were often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and three majors for 53 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 27.0 minutes per game Huntsville had been spending in the box. The Havoc stifled Columbus' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. By firing 30 shots on goal, Huntsville exceeded the 19.9 shots it averages per game this year.

The Havoc were led by Stuart Stefan, who scored the team's only goal. Stefan scored 16:05 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Anthony Battaglia provided the assist.

Ian Vigier made 29 saves for the Cottonmouths on 30 shots. Columbus registered zero goals on seven power play opportunities. Dan McWhinney rejected 28 shots on goal for Huntsville.