Mark Pustin scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Knoxville Ice Bears held off the challenges of Macon Mayhem in a tough 2-0 win.

The Ice Bears were led by Pustin, who racked up one goal.

Knoxville stifled Macon Mayhem's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Ice Bears put 27 shots on net during the contest, more than the 24.3 they average per game. Knoxville's defensemen also contributed in the offensive zone and ended up with 11 shots between them.

Dennis Sicard also scored for Knoxville. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Jake Flegel, Jason Price, and Danny Cesarz, who each chipped in one.

Macon Mayhem excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. Macon Mayhem was held below its usual level of production. Macon Mayhem puts an average of 2.3 pucks into the net per game. Macon Mayhem relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Jake Trask, Curtis Megginson and Shawn Skelly took 11 of the team's 21 shots.

Brian Billett made 21 saves for the Ice Bears on 21 shots. Knoxville ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Garrett Bartus recorded 25 saves for Macon Mayhem. Macon Mayhem totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 0-for-4 on the power play.