The Bloomington Thunder tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Columbus Cottonmouths held on for a 5-4 victory.

Columbus made the score 5-2 on a goal by Daniel Amesbury at 18:14 in the third period, and Bloomington got as close as 5-4 when Kyle Watson scored 19:52 into the third period.

The Cottonmouths put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Thunder to score on any of their five power plays.

Columbus was helped by Michael Switzer, who racked up one goal. Switzer scored 16:35 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Columbus. Dan Bremner picked up the assist. Ian McNulty also scored for Columbus. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Kyle Johnson, Jordan Braid, and Tory Allan, who each chipped in one and Levi Lind, Matt Gingera, and Jordan Draper, who contributed two a piece.

Bloomington forced the Cottonmouths goalie Andrew Loewen to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.

The Thunder were led by Daniel Barczuk, who had one goal and one assist. Barczuk scored 12:34 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Columbus. Travis Granbois assisted on the tally. Bloomington also got a goal from Curtis Megginson as well. More assists for Bloomington came via Kevin Walrod, William Lacasse, Tyler Noseworthy, and Darick Ste-Marie, who each chipped in one.

Loewen recorded 27 saves for Columbus. The Cottonmouths totaled 21 minutes in penalty time with eight minors and one major and went 1-for-7 on the power play. Max Strang made 20 saves for Bloomington on 24 shots. The Thunder ended with 23 minutes in penalty time with nine minors and one major.