The Great Falls Americans tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Gillette Wild held on for a 3-2 victory.

A goal by Cade Boreing put Gillette up 3-0 in the third period, but Great Falls pulled to within one on Robert Kalata's tally 19:21 into the third period.

The Americans were unable to stop the Wild from sending pucks towards the net, and Gillette eventually piled up 36 shots on goal.

The Wild were led by Dalton McCann, who had one goal and one assist. McCann scored on the power play 7:44 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Gillette. Gillette had taken the advantage when Great Falls' Lucas Stover got sent off for interference. Lance Pennington provided the assist. Bryce Mitzel also scored for Gillette. Other players who recorded assists for Gillette were Darren Banks, who had two and Mitchell McEwan and Brett Kramer, who each chipped in one.

The Americans forced the Wild goalie Alex Feese to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots.

Great Falls was led by Lucas Lomax, who registered one goal and one assist. Lomax scored short handed 16:53 into the third period to make the score 3-1 Gillette. The Americans found themselves down a man on Cody Page's too many men.

Feese rejected 31 shots on goal for Gillette. The Wild incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Lauren Massie made 33 saves for Great Falls on 36 shots. The Americans incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.