The Gillette Wild tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Billings Bulls held on for a 2-1 victory.

Billings took a 2-0 lead during the first period, only to have Gillette storm back on a Dylan Eldridge goal 7:33 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Bulls' Cole Semchak was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 49 saves and let only one puck past him. Semchak certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 4.09 entering the contest.

Billings' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on eight Gillette power plays.

The Bulls were helped by Dexter Nealy, who racked up one goal. Nealy scored 6:34 into the first period to make the score Billings. Stephen Thompson assisted on the tally. Billings additionally got points from Thompson, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. More assists for Billings came via T J Theodosopoulos and Tristen Heinrichs, who contributed one a piece.

The Wild excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. Gillette forced Billings goalie Semchak to work between the pipes, taking 50 shots.

In addition, Gillette received assists from Nick Mead and Robbie Lantz, who each chipped in one.

The Bulls incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. The Wild's Sean Kelley stopped 27 shots out of the 29 that he faced. Gillette incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.