Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Gillette Wild defeated the Helena Bighorns in a shootout 3-2 (3-1 SO).

The shootout featured nine attempts between both teams. Helena got a shootout goal from Johnny Bonta. Gillette also got shootout goals from Mitchell McEwan and Bryce Mitzel.

The Wild overcame a one-goal deficit to capture the victory. Gillette trailed 2-1 after a power play goal by the Bighorns' Brian Skillicorn at 9:24 in the third period. The Wild tied things up at 2-2 on a goal by Brandon Beard at 19:34 in the third period.

Gillette's penalty kill excelled, as the Wild gave up one goal despite allowing seven power plays.

Helena was unable to stop Gillette from sending pucks towards the net, and the Wild eventually piled up 38 shots on goal.

Mitzel also scored for Gillette. Other players who recorded assists for Gillette were Lance Pennington, McEwan, and Alex King, who contributed one each.

The Bighorns put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Gillette to score on any of its six power plays. Helena's offense operated below its season average. The Bighorns put an average of 4.1 pucks into the net per game. Helena's offense rang up 32 shots on the Wild's net. The Bighorns got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Helena was helped by Gavin Lubin, who grabbed one goal. Lubin scored 8:13 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Kyler Chartier picked up the assist. More assists for Helena came via Nick Trefry, who had one and Brandt Miller, who had two.

Alex Feese made 30 saves for Gillette on 32 shots. The Wild incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. Grant Martens rejected 35 shots on goal for the Bighorns. Helena incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.