Bighorns defeat Bozeman, 4-3
Published on October 1, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
BOZEMAN, MT - Despite falling behind 2-0 early in the first period, the Bighorns rebounded for a victory on the road over the Bozeman ICEDOGS.
It was the hometown ICEDOGS who got off to a quick start, taking a 1-0 lead just 2:03 into the game. Bozeman doubled their advantage at 7:39 and led 2-0 after a first period that saw Bozeman outshoot the 'Horns 22-12.
The second period was much more solid for the 'Horns who cut the Bozeman lead in half when Tibor Kutalek buried a shot upstairs on a 3-on-1 break at 13:05, his second goal of the young season.
Helena tied the game at 2:11 of the 3rd period. Jay Holladay sent the puck down the left wing boards where it was picked up by Larry Willard, and as Willard moved toward the front of the net, he saw Ross Janecyk heading through the slot, fed him a perfectly soft pass for Janecyk to bury for the equalizer, his 3rd goal of the season. The 'Horns weren't done yet. Jeff Olitch knocked a puck through center ice between two Bozeman defenders, and Josh Kamrass split between them, winning the race to the puck, shot it off the goalie's upper chest, and it fell in behind him for the go-ahead goal at 9:52. With Bozeman threatening late, Olitch and Kamrass connected again for some much needed insurance, and Kamrass hit a streaking Olitch at the blue line with a crisp pass that Olitch took to net, backhanding a shot upstairs at 18:10 of the 3rd. Bozeman called timeout, and pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. The strategy paid off as Josh Heidinger hit the twine with :49 seconds remaining. The 'Horns took their timeout at this point, and held on to win, 4-3.
Saturday night, Oct.1, the same two teams renew the battle at the Helena Ice Arena. Game time is 7:05 pm, and is the Home Opener for the Bighorns. Tickets are available by calling 406-457-2817. The game will be aired locally on 1340 KCAP in Helena, and online at www.sportsjuice.com.
GAME NOTES:
The PointStreak data is still flawed as a result of inaccurate input. I am working with the league in an attempt to correct as many mistakes as possible.
Newcomer Jeff Diehl made his presence felt at 16:22 of the 2nd period, engaging in a fight with Bozeman's Pete Fylling.
Matt Gassman was stellar in the net for Bighorns, going the distance between the pipes.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 1, 2005
- U.S. Women's National Team Improves to 2-0 on Hilton Family Skate to 2006 Tour - U.S. National Team
- Bighorns defeat Bozeman, 4-3 - Helena Bighorns
- Stars topple Team USA U-17s - Traverse City North Stars
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