Great Falls beats Gillette 3-2 after comeback scare

Mar 12, 2014

The Great Falls Americans survived a determined comeback attempt by the Gillette Wild on the way to a 3-2 win.

Great Falls took a 3-0 lead during the second period, only to have Gillette storm back on a Shane Brown goal 14:08 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Donovan Mattfeldt had a great game for the Americans, netting two goals.

Great Falls\’ offense rang up 32 shots on the Wild\’s net. The Americans got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Austin Nottke also scored for Great Falls. In addition, Great Falls received assists from Dylan Garton, who had two and Johnathan Carpenter, Steven Butts, and Aaron McInnis, who contributed one each.

Gillette kept Great Falls\’ goalie busy throughout the game, and Erik Powell made 35 saves on 37 shots. The defensemen of the Wild were also effective in the Americans\’ zone, and came away with two goals.

Gillette also got a goal from Greg Sauers as well. More assists for Gillette came via Will Fobair, who had one and Bryce Mitzel, who had two.

Great Falls totaled 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors and two majors and went 1-for-4 on the power play. Gillette\’s Michael Kitts stopped 29 shots out of the 32 that he faced. The Wild totaled 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major and went 2-for-5 on the power play.