Powell leads Great Falls to shutout victory over Gillette

Jan 4, 2014

The Great Falls Americans used a sparkling performance by Erik Powell to take down the Gillette Wild, as the netminder did not allow a goal in Great Falls\’ 3-0 shutout victory.

The Americans were sparked by Zachary Mese, who tallied one goal. Mese scored 3:04 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Great Falls. Craig Bufford picked up the assist.

Great Falls stifled Gillette\’s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Americans\’ defensive effort looked to be improved. Great Falls allows 2.4 goals per game.

Great Falls also got a goal from Austin Krantz as well. More assists for Great Falls came via Austin Nottke, who had two and Dylan Garton, Brady Christiaens, and Connor Barta, who each chipped in one.

The Wild\’s penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Great Falls power plays. Gillette was held below its usual level of production. The Wild put an average of 2.9 pucks into the net per game. The Americans were unable to stop Gillette from sending pucks towards the net, and the Wild eventually piled up 39 shots on goal.

Great Falls\’ Powell stopped 39 shots out of the 39 that he faced. The Americans incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Sean Kelley rejected 25 shots on goal for Gillette. The Wild incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.