Bighorns 'Koules' under pressure in weekend series
September 16, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
The Helena Bighorns ended their exhibition season with a perfect 7-0 record after a couple of wins over the Bozeman IceDogs this weekend.
The âHorns traveled to Bozeman to face the IceDogs on Friday, and spotted the âDogs a quick 1-0 lead before scoring seven unanswered goals en route to a 7-1 victory.
The team was coached by Oren Koules, the Bighorn's majority owner, who also coached the Big Blue to a 7-1 victory in Bozeman during last year's pre-season.
Bighorn head coach Brent Agrusa was up in the stands watching his troops while Bighorn president Mike Butters was at home in Helena overseeing the NorPac Junior B Showcase. So Koules got the call to run the bench.
"Oren is 2-0 now, so what are we going to say to him? Next thing you know he'll be phoning in line changes from L.A." joked Butters.
"But seriously, he played the game at the pro level, and has been coaching a high end amateur team in L.A. for a few years now so, he fit right in. The guys responded to it and played well."
The âHorns hosted the same IceDogs Saturday night and built a solid 6-2 lead before giving up a couple of late goals, to win 6-4.
Both Dan Vasquez and Chad Beiswenger saw action in the Bighorns net and the Bighorns fans got to see every player who will start the regular season with the club.
The game was highlighted by a September 11 Remembrance and a rousing version of the Star Spangled Banner, played on the electric guitar.
The Bighorns will open their season on Friday, September 24, in Bozeman and play the IceDogs again on Saturday, September 25, in their home opener.
North American Hockey League Stories from September 16, 2004
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- Tornado split weekend series with Wichita Falls - Texas Tornado
- Battle looms as Blues tangle with Tornado - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Regular season schedule changes, Barons to play at Bowling Green - Cleveland Barons
- Voice of the Soo returns for 10th season - Soo Indians
- Bighorns 'Koules' under pressure in weekend series - Helena Bighorns
- IceDogs look to rebound in season opener against Billings - Bozeman Icedogs
- Fraser name U-18 NTDP captain, Gerbe and Jones named assistants - U.S. National Team
- Bandits face off against NHLers to wrap up week in St. Louis - St. Louis Bandits
- Blizzard into pre-season preparation with 14 newcomers in camp - Alexandria Blizzard
- Myro hat trick sparks Jets comeback in first exhibition - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms prepare for season by sweeping eastern competition - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- NAHL set to open 29th season this weekend - NAHL
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