Bighorns set to play in Manitoba Showcase
October 4, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
The Helena Bighorns are headed for Canada this Wednesday to take part in the Manitoba Junior Hockey Showcase.
The Showcase will feature the 11 teams from the MJHL along with the Bighorns. The Bighorns will have a tough schedule as the will face 2 of the top 3 teams in the MJHL in Dauphin and OCN. Bighorns President and Interim Head Coach, Mike Butters, feels his team will be ready for the challenge. "Despite some key injuries and a couple of players unable to make the trip I feel we will be ready for the challenge. Dauphin has always produced solid teams and it is important we get off to a good start. Our players have been looking forward to these games and it will be a good test for us."
The Bighorns will be without top scorers Jeff Olitch and Tibor Kutalek due to transfer status but will have the services of Jake Carlson and Jon Stover who are both returning from injuries. The Big Blue will open on Friday at 1:00 pm CST vs. the Dauphin Kings. On Saturday, The âHorns will face off against the Neepewa Natives at 7:00 pm and close out the showcase on Sunday with a 2:00 pm contest vs. the OCN Blizzard.
The Showcase serves a great purpose for the Bighorns as they prepare for their play in the NAHL Showcase on Oct. 19-22 in Blaine, MN. The âHorn have also done a little homework on the Manitoba teams. "It is fortunate that I still know a few guys close to the MJHL that have given us a little info about our opponents," Butters said, from his office in Helena, MT. "I know all to well what pride these teams will have and we have to be on top of our game to compete."
The Showcase will be somewhat of a homecoming for Bighorn goaltender, Matt Gassman. Gassman played last season with the Winnipeg South Blues and will be fired up to give his best effort.
It is unsure if the games will be broadcast over the internet. However, fans wanting to check out the scores can view the Bighorn website after each game for updates. Fans should also check out the websites of the Bighorn's opponents as they may be carrying the games.
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North American Hockey League Stories from October 4, 2005
- Season ticket pack pick up - Alpena IceDiggers
- Outlaws make player moves - North Iowa Outlaws
- Bighorns acquire Cleveland from North Iowa - Helena Bighorns
- Bighorns set to play in Manitoba Showcase - Helena Bighorns
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