Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Gillette Wild defeated the Billings Bulls in a shootout 4-3 (3-2 SO).
The shootout featured 12 attempts between both teams. Billings got shootout goals from Nick Rizzo and Steven Thompson. In addition to the clincher, Gillette got shootout goals from Brandon Beard and TJ McMinn.
The Wild overcame a two-goal deficit to capture the victory. Gillette trailed 3-1 after a goal by the Bulls\’ Tristan Henrichs at 17:52 in the second period. The Wild tied things up at 3-3 on a power play goal by Bryce Mitzel at 7:19 in the third period.
Mitchell McEwan was all over the ice for Gillette, as he tallied one goal and two assists in the win. McEwan scored short handed 5:17 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Billings. The Wild found themselves down a man on McMinn\’s elbowing. Alex King provided the assist.
Gillette excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances. The Wild forced Billings goalie Cole Semchak to work between the pipes, taking 34 shots.
Beard also scored for Gillette. In addition, Gillette received assists from Trevor Ruiz, who had one.
Billings also got a goal from Thompson as well. More assists for Billings came via TJ Theodosopoulos, who had two and Ralfs Karelis, Ian Wiljanen, and Alex Lundstrom, who contributed one each.
Alex Feese recorded 20 saves for Gillette. The Wild incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Bulls\’ Semchak stopped 30 shots out of the 33 that he faced. Billings incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.