Mitchell McEwan scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Gillette Wild held off the challenges of the Billings Bulls in a tough 3-1 win.

McEwan provided Gillette with the game-winning tally when he scored 1:54 into the first period. Mitchell Huffman picked up the assist.

The Wild were led by goalie Sean Kelley, who finished with 26 saves while allowing one goal. The solid play of Kelley will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 2.05.

Gillette's penalty kill excelled, as the Wild gave up zero goals despite allowing seven power plays.

Gillette stifled Billings' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Wild forced the Bulls goalie Alexander Meagher to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.

Gillette was helped by Brandon Beard, who tallied one goal. Beard scored 10:49 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Gillette. Bryce Mitzel assisted on the tally. Gillette additionally got points from Darren Banks, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Gillette received assists from RJ Yusko and Dalton McCann, who each chipped in one.

Billings' offense operated below its season average. The Bulls put an average of 3.4 pucks into the net per game.

Billings was led by Steven Thompson, who scored the team's only goal. Thompson scored 15:28 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Gillette. TJ Theodosopoulos picked up the assist.

The Wild incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Alexander Meagher made 29 saves for the Bulls on 32 shots. Billings incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.