Tyler Cavan netted a hat trick to lead the Gillette Wild over the Great Falls Americans, 4-2.
Cavan got on the scoresheet 19:21 into the first period. He then added goals at 10:30 into the second and at 17:27 into the third.
Gillette pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 16 penalty minutes.
The Wild stifled Great Falls' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.
Gillette also got points from Taylor Motsinger, who also racked up one goal and two assists. Other players who recorded assists for Gillette were Matt Rose, who had two and Steve Patafio, Adam Pecht, and Dylan Martinez, who each chipped in one.
The Americans put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Gillette to score on any of its five power plays.
Great Falls was helped by Daniil Kulikov, who registered one goal. Kulikov scored 18:13 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Gillette. Lucas Lomax assisted on the tally. Nate Bastian also scored for Great Falls. More assists for Great Falls came via Lucas Stover, who had one.
Brandon Kruckenberg made 22 saves for the Wild on 24 shots. Erik Powell rejected 22 shots on goal for the Americans. Great Falls incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors