Gillette survived a determined comeback attempt by Yellowstone on the way to a 4-3 win.
A goal by Kyle Traux put Gillette up 3-0 in the second period, but Yellowstone pulled to within one on Matt Runyon\’s tally 7:29 into the third period.
Gillette was led by Colt Johnson, who racked up one goal. Johnson scored 15:56 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Gillette. Alex King picked up the assist.
Gillette forced Yellowstone goalie Lance Knudson to work between the pipes, taking 44 shots.
Cade Boreing also scored for Gillette. More assists for Gillette came via Preston Fuller, Tristen Leberknight, Gennadi Zabeline, Jack Oberg, and RJ Yusko, who contributed one each.
Yellowstone was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and one major for 33 minutes in penalty time. Yellowstone surpassed its season average of 23.0 penalty minutes per game. Gillette was unable to stop Yellowstone from sending pucks towards the net, and Yellowstone eventually piled up 34 shots on goal.
Others who scored for Yellowstone included Max Doner and Nick Greene, who each put in one. In addition, Yellowstone received assists from Hunter Ruschmeyer and Reed Kelly, who each chipped in three.
Alex Feese made 31 saves for Gillette on 34 shots. Gillette incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. Yellowstone\’s Knudson stopped 40 shots out of the 44 that he faced. Yellowstone registered three goals on six power play opportunities.