The Great Falls Americans relied on the sparkling performance of Lauren Massie in net to grab a 3-1 win against the Gillette Wild.
Great Falls was sparked by Hunter Garris, who registered one goal. Garris scored 10:07 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Great Falls. Jonathan Carpenter picked up the assist.
The Americans put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Gillette to score on any of its three power plays. The Wild were unable to stop Great Falls from sending pucks towards the net, and the Americans eventually piled up 47 shots on goal. Great Falls got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.
Others who scored for Great Falls included Dylan Garton and Miles Giorgione, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Great Falls were Michael Kliment, Erik Gatson, and Wade Wylie, who contributed one each.
Gillette could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.
The Wild were led by Alex King, who scored the team's only goal. King scored 6:10 into the second period to make the score 1-0 Gillette. Trent Dillinger provided the assist.
The Americans' Massie stopped 27 shots out of the 28 that he faced. Great Falls incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Alex Feese made 44 saves for Gillette on 46 shots. The Wild ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Kyle Reilly was ejected from the game.