The Columbus Cottonmouths had trouble finding ways to stop the Knoxville Ice Bears, which beat Cottonmouths, 4-1.

Knoxville got the win thanks to a great game by Francis Drolet, who had two goals and one assist. Drolet scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 15:45 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Knoxville. The Ice Bears earned a power play opportunity when Louis Belisle was put in the box for slashing. Eric Satim assisted on the tally. Drolet's next tally on the power play made the score 3-0 Knoxville with 1:51 left in the first period. Satim picked up the assist.

Columbus was stymied by Knoxville's netminder Bryan Hince, who stopped 32 shots during the victory. Hince certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.77 entering the contest.

The Ice Bears' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Columbus power plays. Knoxville relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Drolet, Satim and Ryan Salvis took 11 of the team's 21 shots.

Knoxville additionally got points from Satim, who also registered two goals and two assists to lead the team in points. More assists for Knoxville came via Robbie Donahoe, who had one and Peter Neal, who had two.

The Cottonmouths' offense rang up 33 shots on the Ice Bears' net.

Columbus was led by Shawn Bates, who scored the team's only goal. Bates scored 1:57 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Knoxville. Nick Curry assisted on the tally.

Knoxville incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Andrew Loewen made 17 saves for the Cottonmouths on 20 shots. Columbus incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.