The Great Falls Americans took the lead against the Gillette Wild in the first period and maintained it until the end of the game to secure a tight 3-1 victory.
A goal 5:04 into the first period by Cody Page proved to be the game winner, and powered Great Falls to the victory. The Americans earned a power play opportunity when Taylor Garner was put in the box for hooking. Erik Gatson picked up the assist.
Great Falls was led by goalie Evan Hauser, who finished with 41 saves while allowing one goal. Hauser certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 1.17 entering the contest.
The Americans were led by Lucas Lomax, who tallied one goal. Lomax scored 6:52 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Great Falls. Dylan Garton provided the assist.
Great Falls excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances. The Americans could not produce up to their normal offensive output. Great Falls averages 5.3 goals per game.
Great Falls also got a goal from Devin Panzeca as well. Other players who recorded assists for Great Falls were Michael Kliment, who had two and Wade Wylie and Connor Barta, who each chipped in one.
Gillette was often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and one major for 27 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 23.0 minutes per game the Wild had been spending in the box. Gillette\’s offense operated below its season average. The Wild put an average of 3.2 pucks into the net per game. Gillette\’s offense rang up 42 shots on the Americans\’ net.
The Wild were led by Mike Magera, who scored the team\’s only goal. Magera scored 8:19 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Great Falls. Lance Pennington assisted on the tally.
Great Falls incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Alex Feese made 25 saves for Gillette on 28 shots. The Wild ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Kyle Reilly was ejected from the game.