The Columbus Cottonmouths survived a determined comeback attempt by the Pensacola Ice Flyers on the way to a 3-2 win.

Columbus made the score 3-1 on a goal by Cody Freeman at 1:54 in the third period, and Pensacola got as close as 3-2 when Ludlow Harris scored 18:52 into the third period.

The Cottonmouths' penalty kill excelled, as Columbus gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.

The Cottonmouths were often in penalty trouble, totaling seven minors and one major for 39 minutes in penalty time. Columbus surpassed its season average of 17.0 penalty minutes per game. The Cottonmouths stifled the Ice Flyers' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. By firing 36 shots on goal, Columbus exceeded the 26.6 shots it averages per game this year.

Columbus also had goals scored by Louis Belisle and Chris Rial, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Andy Bathgate, Kyle Brodie, John Jackson, Andy Willigar, Rusty Hafner, and Shawn Bates, who each chipped in one.

Pensacola racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 10 minors and one major for 45 minutes in penalty time. The Ice Flyers had been averaging 21.0 minutes in penalties per game. Pensacola's defensemen bolstered the Ice Flyers' offensive attack, as they bombarded Brandon Jaeger with 18 shots. Pensacola's offense was clicking better than usual and put 40 shots on goal during the game, better than the 24.4 shots per game it averages.

Pensacola also got a goal from Phil Tesoriero as well. More assists for Pensacola came via Dean Moore, who had one.

Brandon Jaeger made 38 saves for the Cottonmouths on 40 shots. Columbus registered one goal on nine power play opportunities. For the Cottonmouths, Bathgate was ejected from the game. The Ice Flyers' John McLean stopped 33 shots out of the 36 that he faced. Pensacola ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Corey Banfield was ejected from the game.