The Gillette Wild beat the Billings Bulls, 2-0, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.
A goal 14:14 into the the first period by Dalton McCann proved to be the game winner, and powered Gillette to the victory Tj Mcminn picked up the assist.
The Wild were led by McCann, who registered one goal.
Gillette's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Billings power plays. The Wild's defensive play was more effective than usual against Billings. Gillette gives up 2.3 goals on average per game. The Bulls were unable to stop the Wild from sending pucks towards the net, and Gillette eventually piled up 42 shots on goal.
Gillette also got a goal from Brandon Miller as well.
Gillette's Sean Kelley stopped 23 shots out of the 23 that he faced to earn a shutout. The Wild totaled 31 minutes in penalty time with three minors and three majors and went 0-for-7 on the power play. The Wild opened up their season in front of over 900 fans.
“It was great to see our guys feed off the excitement of an opening night crowd and I thought our effort defensively was the difference in the game” finished Coach Tom Winkler.