The Fayetteville FireAntz's Brandon Richardson scored 2:43 into overtime to beat the Knoxville Ice Bears, 3-2 (OT).

Matt Smyth had one goal and two assists to lead Fayetteville. Smyth scored on the power play 52 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 Fayetteville. A slashing penalty on David Segal had put the FireAntz on the power play. Mike Kavanagh provided the assist.

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

The FireAntz stifled the Ice Bears' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Fayetteville failed to reach its usual level of shot production, putting 18 pucks on goal after averaging 27.6 shots per game this season.

Fayetteville also got points from Kavanagh, who also finished with one goal and two assists. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Brandon Greenside and Chris Greene, who each chipped in one.

Knoxville was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and one major for 43 minutes in penalty time. The Ice Bears had been averaging 23.0 minutes in penalties per game. Knoxville's offense was clicking better than usual and put 32 shots on goal during the game, better than the 28.1 shots per game it averages.

The Ice Bears were helped by Peter Neal, who racked up one goal. Neal scored short handed 8:54 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Knoxville was on a disadvantage when Segal went off the ice for holding. Knoxville also got a goal from Cody Dion as well. More assists for Knoxville came via Eric Satim and Brett Valliquette, who contributed one a piece.

Peter Skoggard recorded 30 saves for the FireAntz. Fayetteville totaled 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major and went 3-for-8 on the power play. The Ice Bears' Bryan Hince stopped 15 shots out of the 18 that he faced.