Nick Trefry gave the Helena Bighorns the lead in the first period, and the Gillette Wild was never able to catch up in a close game that ended 4-2.
Trefry provided Helena with the game-winning tally when he scored 11:01 into the first period. The Bighorns had gotten the advantage when Gillette\’s Trevor Ruiz was sent off for interference. Elliot Hopkins picked up the assist.
Brian Skillicorn was all over the ice for Helena, as he tallied two goals in the win. Skillicorn found the back of the net 12:52 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Helena and again while on the power play 11:37 into the third to make the score 4-2 Helena.
The Bighorns got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed three goals during the game.
Johnny Bonta also scored for Helena. In addition, Helena received assists from Brandon Mills, Brandt Miller, Matt Mohar, and Blake Babineau, who contributed one each.
The Wild\’s offense rang up 39 shots on Helena\’s net.
Gillette was helped by Cade Boreing, who registered one goal. Boreing scored 9:14 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Brandon Beard assisted on the tally. Gillette additionally got points from Jack Cleaver, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Gillette were Bryce Mitzel and Darren Banks, who each chipped in one.
Grant Martens recorded 37 saves for the Bighorns. Helena totaled 21 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 2-for-2 on the power play. Alex Feese made 14 saves for the Wild on 18 shots. Gillette totaled 21 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play.