Bighorns dump Billings 4-3 with solid team performance
November 14, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
The Helena Bighorns gave their fans a solid performance at home on Saturday, as they defeated the Billings Bulls 4-3.
The win was special for Bighorn President and Interim Head Coach, Mike Butters, as he returned to the bench following his 3 week absence from the hockey club. Butters was in Canada to fulfill a prior work commitment and was pleased with the effort of his troops on Saturday. "It was great to see the effort from all of our players on Saturday. Everyone committed themselves to the win and each line contributed." Butters added, "It is going to take efforts like this every night to get us on track."
The Big Blue accomplished some things that they have not been used to as they outshot the Bulls and scored first. Newcomer, Jarrett Runey got the 'Horns going 4:07 into the first frame with a hard wrist shot which beat Billings goaltender Adam Damjanovich to the glove side. Assisting on the goal was defenseman Daryl Dee and center Larry Willard. Also scoring in the first period for the 'Horns was Tibor Kutalek with a nice wrap-around tally. After one period the score was knotted at two.
The Bighorns notched two goals in the second, with markers from Kutalek, who picked up his second of the evening and Jack Powers, who scored his first goal in a Big Blue uniform. Despite several other scoring opportunities from the Bighorns, the second period ended with the 'Horns leading by a 4-2 margin.
The Bighorns buckled down on defense in the third period, giving up only one late goal as the held off a late surge by the Bulls to seal the win. Butters was pleased with the way the 'Horns played in their own zone in the third period. "Defensively, I thought we did some good things," Butters remarked. "In prior games, we seemed to succumb to attack pressure but tonight we exuded some confidence with the lead. It was a great learning experience for our younger guys and we will build in that as we prepare for next weekend."
The Bighorns will enjoy a full week of practice as they prepare to host Wasilla this Friday and Saturday evening. The 'Horns were on the short end of a 2-1 game to the Spirit last Thursday and would love nothing more than to even the season series with the Spirit. "We played the first month of the season on the road and we finally have some time to work on some things. We will be prepared for a solid weekend," Butters said.
Tickets for both Friday and Saturday's games can be picked up at the Helena Ice Arena or fans can reserve them by calling 457-2817.
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