The Great Falls Americans tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Billings Bulls held on for a 4-2 victory.

Billings took a 4-1 lead during the third period, only to have Great Falls storm back on a Ricky Green goal 6:58 into the third period to pull to two goals down.

The Americans' power play was ineffective against the Bulls' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Billings kept Great Falls' goalie busy throughout the game, and Evan Hauser made 28 saves on 32 shots.

The Bulls were helped by Orri Haman, who registered one goal. Haman scored on the power play 16:50 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Billings. A cross checking penalty on Reed Link had put Billings on the power play. Nik Nasby provided the assist. Billings additionally got points from T J Theodosopoulos, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Tristen Heinrichs, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Sam Orth also scored for Billings. In addition, Billings received assists from Aaron Rio, Dexter Nealy, Cody Phillips, and Stephen Thompson, who each chipped in one.

The Americans' offense operated below they season average. Great Falls averages 4.4 goals per game. The Americans forced the Bulls goalie Daniel Oordt to work between the pipes, taking 34 shots.

Great Falls was helped by Austin Krantz, who tallied one goal. Krantz scored on the power play 3:18 into the second period to make the score 1-1. The Americans had taken the advantage when Billings' Matt Myers got sent off for interference. Tanner Doty assisted on the tally. More assists for Great Falls came via Cody Page, Doug Keller, and Lucas Stover, who contributed one a piece.

Oordt recorded 32 saves for the Bulls. Billings incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Great Falls incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.