Bighorns notch record seventh straight win
Published on December 9, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
The Bighorns continued their winning ways by defeating the visiting Minnesota Blizzard 4-2 on Saturday night, December 4.
In a game that was far from pretty, the Bighorns faced a hungry Minnesota team that had won only twice in their last five games. Helena scored first when Cody Carson (pictured above) knocked home a rebound at 5:38 of the first on the power play. Minnesota tied it up at 7:25 and the game remained tied at 1-1 after the first period.
The Bighorns picked it up in the second period, with Brandon Marino scoring the only goal of the period at 3:42, a four-on-four even strength goal that he blasted over the goalie's glove hand for a 2-1 lead.
"We knew Minnesota was capable of getting right back into the game, so we told the guys in the locker room to come out strong and put this thing away," recalled coach Brent Agrusa after the game. He was right, as the Blizzard tied the game just 30 seconds into the final frame.
But Minnesota began to unravel, giving Helena six power plays in the third. The 'Horns only cashed in one of those chances, but it was all they would need, as Carson knocked home another power play rebound to put Helena on top 3-2.
Later in the period, with the possibility of a hat trick looming for the veteran Carson, he unselfishly dished a nice pass to Cory Mozak, who buried it for a 4-2 edge, which proved to be the final score. Helena's streak is now at 13-0-1, including a franchise record seven straight wins.
Matt Woodard had a solid performance, assisting on each of the 'Horns first three goals. Defenseman Steve Ebbole made his Bighorns debut, and seemed to fit right in with his new team. "He's adjusted well in a short time," noted Agrusa. "He's definitely a good addition for our hockey team."
The Bighorns (16-5-3) will host the Bismarck Bobcats this Friday and Saturday nights, with game times each night slated for 7:05 p.m.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2004
- Bighorns notch record seventh straight win - Helena Bighorns
- Ringing in the season - Bismarck Bobcats
- Ribiero's breakout weekend earns Sher-Wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week honors - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Tornado fight back for two wins despite Friday loss - Texas Tornado
- Jets Alaska trip ends with two wins, plenty of memories - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Indians still under construction - Soo Indians
- Wildcats drop a pair - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Blizzard win two on Montana trip - Alexandria Blizzard
- Three-win weekend vaults Phantoms into first place - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- USNTDP players 'equal' to the pros - Yzerman - U.S. National Team
- Kessel, 13 NAHL alumni to help defend world junior title - NAHL
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