Great Falls had a two-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 5-2 win over Gillette.
Great Falls forced Gillette goalie Alex Feese to work between the pipes, taking 42 shots. Great Falls got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.
Great Falls was helped by Malachi Bushey, who grabbed one goal. Bushey scored 13:07 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Great Falls. Blake Miller assisted on the tally. Great Falls additionally got points from Arseny Ivanov, who also registered one goal and one assist and Brendan Jester, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Great Falls included Tegan Harrington and Connor Barta, who scored one goal each. In addition, Great Falls received assists from Josh Larson, who had two and Reed Link, Austin Krantz, and Adam Apangalook, who each chipped in one.
Gillette was led by RJ Yusko, who had one goal and one assist. Yusko scored on the power play 15:45 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Great Falls. Gillette had taken the advantage when Great Falls\’ Ricards Bernhards got sent off for interference. Hunter Johnson picked up the assist. Gillette also got a goal from Michael Doyle as well. Other players who recorded assists for Gillette were Adam Maxfield and Alex King, who contributed one each.
Jake Stephan made 23 saves for Great Falls on 25 shots. Great Falls incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Feese rejected 37 shots on goal for Gillette. Gillette incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.