The Gillette Wild gutted out a close 4-2 win against the Bozeman Icedogs.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Bryce Mitzel\’s goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.
Bozeman\’s power play was ineffective against Gillette\’s penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
The Wild were led by Mitzel, who had one goal and one assist. Mitzel scored 12:29 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Gillette. Lance Pennington assisted on the tally.
Gillette\’s offense rang up 51 shots on the Icedogs\’ net.
Gillette additionally got points from Kyle Reilly, who also registered one goal and one assist. Gillette also had goals scored by Trent Dillinger and TJ McMinn, who each put in one. More assists for Gillette came via Mike Magera, who had two and Jack Cleaver, Brandon Beard, and Brett Kramer, who each chipped in one.
Bozeman\’s penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Gillette power plays. The Icedogs\’ offense were handcuffed by the Wild\’s defensive play, and Bozeman managed only 14 shots on goal during the game.
The Icedogs were helped by Gunnar Mogck, who racked up one goal. Mogck scored on the power play 7:31 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Bozeman. Bozeman had gotten the advantage when Gillette\’s Rob Lantz was sent off for charging. Ryan Erickson also scored for Bozeman. In addition, Bozeman received assists from Bryce Meckes, who had one.
The Wild\’s Sean Kelley stopped 12 shots out of the 14 that he faced. Gillette ended with 45 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Cody Smargiassi made 47 saves for the Icedogs on 50 shots. Bozeman ended with 45 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.