Gillette gutted out a close 4-2 win against Bozeman.
Gillette gained the winning advantage on a goal by Mitchell McEwan 4:41 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.
Bozeman\’s power play was ineffective against Gillette\’s penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
Gillette was led by McEwan, who finished with one goal.
Gillette\’s penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled nine minors and one major for 33 minutes in penalty time. Gillette surpassed its season average of 13.0 penalty minutes per game. Gillette forced Bozeman goalie Stephen Frank to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.
Gillette also had goals scored by Colt Johnson, Kyle Traux, and Cade Boreing, who scored one goal each. More assists for Gillette came via Connor Moore, who had two and Tim VanTuinen and Hunter Johnson, who each chipped in one.
Bozeman stifled Gillette\’s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Bozeman could not produce up to its normal offensive output. Bozeman puts an average of 4.7 pucks into the net per game. Gillette was unable to stop Bozeman from sending pucks towards the net, and Bozeman eventually piled up 45 shots on goal.
Bozeman was helped by Kyle Amundson, who registered one goal. Amundson scored on the power play 14:59 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Gillette. Bozeman had taken the advantage when Gillette\’s McEwan got sent off for roughing. Kyle Klatt provided the assist. Bozeman also got a goal from Elliott Hopkins as well. In addition, Bozeman received assists from AJ ODell, who had one.
Alex Feese made 43 saves for Gillette on 45 shots. Gillette registered zero goals on four power play opportunities. Gillette ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Tyler Reble was ejected from the game. Frank recorded 33 saves for Bozeman. Bozeman incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.