Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Bismarck Bobcats defeated the Austin Bruins in a shootout 4-3 (2-1 SO).

The two teams needed nine turns to complete the shootout. Austin's shootout goal was scored by AJ Reid. In addition to the clincher, Bismarck got a shootout goal from Joe Giordano.

The Bobcats came back from a two-goal deficit to capture the victory. Bismarck fell behind 3-1 after a goal by the Bruins' Nolan Kirley at 14:02 in the second period. The Bobcats knotted things up at 3-3 on a power play goal by Mike Dockry at 17:10 in the third period.

Shane Omdahl was all over the ice for Bismarck, as he tallied two goals in the win. Omdahl found the back of the net 10:29 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Austin and again while 11:01 into the third to make the score 3-2 Austin.

By firing 45 shots on goal, the Bobcats exceeded the 27.7 shots they average per game this year.

More assists for Bismarck came via Giordano, who had two and Rory Vesel and Patrick Moore, who each chipped in one.

Austin got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game. The Bruins' offense was clicking better than usual and put 45 shots on goal during the game, better than the 26.8 shots per game they average.

Austin was helped by John Simonson, who racked up one goal. Simonson scored on the power play 19:05 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Austin. The Bruins had gotten the advantage when Bismarck's Matt Anders was sent off for hooking. Jay Dickman assisted on the tally. Austin also got points from Cody Dixon, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. In addition, Austin received assists from Michael Bond, Nate Mondry, and Brandon Wahlin, who contributed one a piece.

Aaron Nelson recorded 42 saves for the Bobcats. Bismarck incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Austin's Nicholas Lehr stopped 41 shots out of the 44 that he faced. The Bruins incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.