The game between the Gillette Wild and the Billings Bulls was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end Gillette emerged with a 5-3 win.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Rob Lantz\’s goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.
The Wild\’s offense rang up 32 shots on Billings\’ net.
Gillette was led by Trent Dillinger, who grabbed two goals. Dillinger scored the first of his two goals at 5:37 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Gillette. Dillinger\’s next tally made the score 5-3 Gillette with 15 seconds left in the third period. TJ McMinn provided the assist. Others who scored for Gillette included Bryce Mitzel and RJ Yusko, who scored one goal each. In addition, Gillette received assists from Cade Boreing, who had two and Lance Pennington and Darren Banks, who each chipped in one.
The Bulls stifled the Wild\’s power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.
Billings was led by TJ Theodosopoulos, who tallied two goals. Theodosopoulos scored the first of his two goals at 17:57 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Cameron Birklid picked up the assist. Theodosopoulos\’ next tally made the score 3-2 Billings with 55 seconds left in the second period. Birklid provided the assist. Tristan Henrichs also scored for Billings. More assists for Billings came via Ralfs Karelis, Nick Rizzo, Josh Pena, and Ian Wiljanen, who contributed one each.
Sean Kelley recorded 24 saves for Gillette. The Wild incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Bulls\’ Cole Semchak stopped 27 shots out of the 31 that he faced. Billings incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.