Evan Hauser had a standout game with 28 saves, and the Great Falls Americans beat the Gillette Wild 2-1.
Great Falls' penalty kill excelled, as the Americans gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.
Great Falls was led by Dylan Garton, who had one goal. Garton scored 4:27 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Great Falls. Cody Page provided the assist.
The Americans stifled Gillette's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Great Falls' offense operated below its season average. The Americans average 5.3 goals per game. Great Falls forced the Wild goalie Alex Feese to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots. The Americans could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.
Great Falls also got a goal from Michael Kliment as well. More assists for Great Falls came via Erik Gatson and Miles Giorgione, who contributed one each.
Gillette did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. The Wild put an average of 3.5 pucks into the net per game.
Gillette was led by Mitchell McEwan, who scored the team's only goal. McEwan scored 18:12 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Gillette. Trevor Ruiz picked up the assist.
Great Falls registered one goal on five power play opportunities. Feese rejected 35 shots on goal for the Wild. Gillette incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.