Motsinger nets hat trick, leads Gillette to 7-2 win over Billings

Feb 3, 2013

Motsinger's first goal came 4:31 into the first period. He then added goals at 18:24 into the second and at 16:10 into the third.

 

Gillette pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 43 penalty minutes.

The Wild kept Billings' goalie busy throughout the game, and Nic Wackerly made 48 saves on 55 shots. Gillette surpassed its usual scoring output this season. The Wild average 4.7 goals per game. Gillette had trouble converting on the power play advantage, managing just two goals on 11 chances. The defensemen of the Wild were also effective in the Bulls' zone, and came away with two goals.

Gillette additionally got points from Moco Willis, who also had one goal and one assist. Steve Patafio also scored for Gillette. More assists for Gillette came via Tyler Cavan, who had three, Ronnie WilshusenNick Mead, and Tyler Johnson, who contributed one a piece, and Matt Rose and Bobby Solari, who each chipped in two.

Billings forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up 11 minors and two majors for 62 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 24.0 minutes per game the Bulls had been spending in the box.

Billings was led by Alex Herman, who racked up one goal and one assist. Herman scored 1:10 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Gillette. Nick Rizzo picked up the assist. Billings also got a goal from Colter Endy as well. Other players who recorded assists for Billings were Stephen Thompson, who had one.

Brandon Kruckenberg rejected 20 shots on goal for Gillette. The Wild ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Tj Mcminn was ejected from the game. The Bulls registered one goal on seven power play opportunities. For Billings, Kyle Blankenship and Nik Nasby were ejected from the contest.