In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Great Falls Americans escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Gillette Wild.
Great Falls gained the winning advantage on a goal by Brady Christiaens 13:19 into the second period and hung on until final buzzer.
The Americans were led by Christiaens, who tallied one goal.
Great Falls forced Gillette goalie Michael Kitts to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.
Others who scored for Great Falls included Cody Page and Tanner Doty, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Great Falls were Austin Krantz, Johnathan Carpenter, Zachary Mese, Reed Link, Austin Nottke, and Connor Barta, who each chipped in one.
The Wild\’s offense rang up 54 shots on the Americans\’ net.
Gillette was helped by Moco Willis, who finished with one goal. Willis scored on the power play 16:09 into the first period to make the score 1-1. The Wild earned a power play opportunity when Doty was put in the box for hooking. Darren Banks picked up the assist. Will Fobair also scored for Gillette. In addition, Gillette received assists from Chase Engdahl, Bryce Mitzal, and Greg Sauers, who contributed one a piece.
Great Falls\’ Erik Powell stopped 52 shots out of the 54 that he faced. The Americans incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Kitts rejected 29 shots on goal for Gillette. The Wild incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors.