The Columbus Cottonmouths gutted out a close 3-2 win against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Tyler Henry's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

Columbus was led by Shawn Bates, who finished with one goal. Bates scored 15:56 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Columbus. Garret Lockeridge provided the assist.

Craig Simchuk also scored for Columbus. More assists for Columbus came via Ben OQuinn, Louis Belisle, Andy Bathgate, Patrick McCadden, and Kyle Shapiro, who each chipped in one.

Knoxville's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals. The Ice Bears put 35 shots on net during the contest, more than the 28.8 they average per game.

Knoxville was led by Jason Price, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Price scored 10:20 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Todd Hosmer picked up the assist. Knoxville also got a goal from Brad Pawlowski as well. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Ben Power and Trever Hertz, who contributed one each.

The Cottonmouths' Brandon Jaeger stopped 33 shots out of the 35 that he faced. Columbus totaled nine minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play. Bryan Hince made 20 saves for the Ice Bears on 23 shots. Knoxville totaled nine minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play.