The Great Falls Americans fired often at the opposing net, but could not solve the net minder for the Gillette Wild in a 4-1 defeat.
Gillette was sparked by Bryce Mitzal, who had one goal. Mitzal scored on the power play 20:10 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Gillette. A roughing penalty on Dylan Garton had put the Wild on the power play. Brandon Miller picked up the assist.
Gillette was effective with a man advantage, and put in three goals while on the power play.
Gillette also got points from Greg Sauers, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Gillette also had goals scored by Michael Burke and Darren Banks, who each put in one. In addition, Gillette received assists from Moco Willis and Andrii Istominov, who each chipped in one.
Great Falls forced the Wild\’s goalies to work all game long, totaling 31 shots and forcing 30 saves. Sean Kelley made 13 stops and Josh Beatty made 17. The Americans\’ offense operated below they season average. Great Falls puts an average of 6.5 pucks into the net per game.
The Americans were led by Doug Keller, who scored the team\’s only goal. Keller scored 11:36 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Gillette. Reed Link assisted on the tally.
Gillette incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors. Evan Hauser took the loss and made 12 saves before being replaced by Erik Powell who made nine saves. Great Falls incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.