Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the MN Wilderness Wilderness defeated the Kenai River Brown Bears in a shootout 5-4 (4-1 SO).

The two teams needed seven turns to complete the shootout. Kenai River's shootout goal was scored by Jacob Davidson. MN Wilderness' other shootout goals were scored by Thomas Lindstrom, John May, and Michael Covach.

The Wilderness overcame a one-goal deficit to capture the victory. MN Wilderness trailed 4-3 after a goal by the Brown Bears' Jack Gessert at 17:21 in the third period. The Wilderness tied things up at 4-4 on a goal by Darian Romanko at 19:08 in the third period.

Romanko was all over the ice for MN Wilderness, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Romanko scored the first of his two goals at 3:20 into the first period to make the score 1-0 MN Wilderness. Jakob Romo provided the assist. Romanko's next tally made the score with 52 seconds left in the third period. Romo picked up the assist.

The Wilderness were often in penalty trouble, totaling eight minors and two majors for 26 minutes in penalty time. MN Wilderness had been averaging 15.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Wilderness outdid their season average for goals scored. MN Wilderness has scored at the pace of 2.6 goals per game during the current campaign. The Wilderness gave up more goals than its normal season average. MN Wilderness averages 1.5 goal allowed per game. With 36 shots on target during the contest, the Wilderness exceeded the 29.7 shots they average per game this year.

MN Wilderness also got points from Romo, who also tallied one goal and two assists. Lindstrom also scored for MN Wilderness. More assists for MN Wilderness came via Terry Leibo, who had two and Brett Heikkila and Jesse Kessler, who each chipped in one.

Kenai River racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with six minors and two majors for 22 minutes in penalty time. The Brown Bears surpassed its season average of 17.0 penalty minutes per game. Kenai River stifled MN Wilderness' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Brown Bears' offense was clicking better than usual and put 39 shots on goal during the game, better than the 28.7 shots per game they average.

Kenai River additionally got points from Eric Purcell, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Kenai River included Vincent Stefan and Matt Rudin, who each put in one. In addition, Kenai River received assists from Alec Butcher, who had three and Judd Loewenstein and Conor Deal, who contributed one a piece.

Frank Oplinger rejected 35 shots on goal for the Wilderness. MN Wilderness registered zero goals on three power play opportunities. Kenai River's Kris Oldham stopped 31 shots out of the 35 that he faced. The Brown Bears registered one goal on five power play opportunities.