The Gillette Wild tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Yellowstone Quake held on for a 5-4 victory.

Yellowstone made the score 5-2 on a goal by Cameron Hardiek at 5:34 in the second period, and Gillette got as close as 5-4 when Tyler Cavan scored 5:53 into the third period.

The Quake made Wild's netminders to work in net, ripping 31 shots and forcing 26 saves. Nick Vittori made 19 stops and Brandon Kruckenberg made seven. Yellowstone's penalty kill unit could not stop the Wild's power play, which converted on four of seven opportunities.

The Quake were led by Michael Berens, who grabbed two goals and one assist. Berens scored the first of his two goals at 16:44 into the first period to make the score 3-2 Yellowstone. Anthony Leong picked up the assist. Berens' next tally made the score 4-2 Yellowstone with 23 seconds left in the first period. George Splichal assisted on the tally. Yellowstone additionally got points from Chris Andre, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Yellowstone also got a goal from James Pyle as well. In addition, Yellowstone received assists from Tanner Fricke, Brandon Busse, Andrew Lansing, TJ Lozier, and Josh Neumann, who contributed one a piece.

Gillette's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Yellowstone power plays. Yellowstone was unable to stop the Wild from sending pucks towards the net, and Gillette eventually piled up 45 shots on goal.

The Wild were led by Taylor Motsinger, who finished with two goals. Motsinger scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 11:55 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Yellowstone. Gillette earned a power play opportunity when Sam Gottfredsen was put in the box for cross checking. Matt Rose provided the assist. Motsinger's next tally on the power play made the score 5-3 Yellowstone with 6:15 left in the second period. The Wild had gotten the advantage when the Quake's Andre was sent off for interference. Gillette also got points from Rose, who also tallied one goal and one assist. More assists for Gillette came via Ronnie Wilshusen and Bobby Solari, who each chipped in two.

JT Blum recorded 41 saves for Yellowstone. The Quake ended with 19 minutes in penalty time with seven minors and one major. Gillette ended with 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major.