Rapid City and the Denver Cutthroats were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Rapid City made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-3.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Jared Brown's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Rapid City was led by Scott Brannon, who grabbed one goal. Brannon scored 2:20 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Rapid City. Ryan Palmer picked up the assist.

Rapid City relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Winston Day Chief, Konrad Reeder and Anthony Perdicaro took 13 of the team's 24 shots. Rapid City could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 20 minutes in penalties during the game.

Rapid City additionally got points from Jesse Schultz, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Reeder, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, Rapid City received assists from Justin Sawyer, who had two and Riley Weselowski, Bobby Preece, and Kevin Harvey, who each chipped in one.

Denver stifled Rapid City's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

The Cutthroats were led by Garett Bembridge, who had one goal and one assist. Bembridge scored on the power play 9:18 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Rapid City. Denver had gained a power play chance when Sawyer was whistled for roughing. Troy Schwab assisted on the tally. Others who scored for Denver included Jean-Philipp Chabot and AJ Gale, who scored one goal each. More assists for Denver came via Steve Kaunisto, who had two.

Tim Boron made 24 saves for Rapid City on 27 shots. Rapid City registered zero goals on three power play opportunities. Travis Bosch recorded 19 saves for the Cutthroats. Denver incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.