The Columbus Cottonmouths almost clawed their way back from a three-goal deficit, but the Knoxville Ice Bears managed to pull out a 4-2 win in the end.

Knoxville led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Ice Bears' Dan Bremner's scored short handed at 11:18 in the second period to put Knoxville up 3-0.

The Ice Bears' penalty kill excelled, as Knoxville gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

The Ice Bears were led by Jon Higgins, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Higgins scored 2:52 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Knoxville. Shaun Arvai picked up the assist.

The Knoxville penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19.0 minutes per game the Ice Bears had been spending in the box. Knoxville's offense was clicking better than usual and put 30 shots on goal during the game, better than the 26.1 shots per game it averages.

Knoxville also got a goal from Nate Peterson as well. More assists for Knoxville came via Matt Pierce, who had one and Mark Van Vliet and Emery Olauson, who each chipped in two.

Columbus was often in penalty trouble, totaling five minors and two majors for 30 minutes in penalty time. The Cottonmouths surpassed its season average of 20.0 penalty minutes per game. Columbus' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Knoxville power plays. By firing 29 shots on goal, the Cottonmouths exceeded the 21.5 shots they average per game this year.

Columbus was helped by John Sullivan, who finished with two goals. Sullivan scored the first of his two goals at 17:41 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Knoxville. Jordan Braid assisted on the tally. Sullivan's next tally made the score 3-2 Knoxville with 18:27 left in the third period. The Cottonmouths earned a power play opportunity when Arvai was put in the box for holding. Matt Gingera picked up the assist.

The Ice Bears' Bryan Hince stopped 27 shots out of the 29 that he faced. Andrew Loewen rejected 26 shots on goal for Columbus. The Cottonmouths ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Daniel Amesbury was ejected from the game.