In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Fayetteville FireAntz escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Cottonmouths.

Fayetteville gained the winning advantage on a goal by Tommy Lange 17:03 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Columbus' power play was ineffective against the FireAntz's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Fayetteville was led by Lange, who finished with one goal.

The FireAntz were ineffective while on the power play, as they were held to one goal off of nine man advantages. Fayetteville's offense was clicking better than usual and put 42 shots on goal during the game, better than the 25.1 shots per game it averages.

Fayetteville additionally got points from Bobby Reed, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Corey Tamblyn also scored for Fayetteville. More assists for Fayetteville came via Corey Toy, Kevin Kessler, John Clewlow, Brandon Richardson, and Kyle McNeil, who contributed one a piece.

The Cottonmouths were helped by Mike Switzer, who registered one goal. Switzer scored short handed 13:59 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Columbus was on a disadvantage when Dan Bremner went off the ice for slashing. Columbus also got a goal from Tory Allan as well. In addition, Columbus received assists from Preston Shupe and Andy Willigar, who each chipped in one.

Peter Skoggard rejected 27 shots on goal for the FireAntz. Fayetteville incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Andrew Loewen made 39 saves for the Cottonmouths on 42 shots. Columbus incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.