Bighorns sweep weekend, set record
December 3, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
The Helena Bighorns are currently riding a 13-game unbeaten streak, a team record, and something that would have most teams feeling satisfied. But according to Bighorn Head Coach, Brent Agrusa, he and his team haven't really dwelled on it.
"Sure, it's great to win these games," claimed Agrusa. "But with the parity in our division (NAHL West) it isn't something we can dwell on. We just need to play strong hockey as teams are gunning for us every night."
After a somewhat mediocre start (3-5-2), the Bighorns seemed to find their groove, putting together two six-game winning streaks, with an overtime loss to the Billings Bulls in the middle. The streak started after a couple of heart-breaking overtime losses to Minnesota and Fargo and a one goal defeat by the NAHL defending National Champion, Texas Tornado. After that 4-3 loss, the Bighorns returned to the NAHL West, ripping of the next six games in a row. Following a 3-2 overtime loss to the Billings Bulls, the 'Horns put together another six game streak. Their latest win was an exciting 2-1 shootout victory over the Bulls.
Since the October NAHL Showcase, the 'Horns have been the NAHL's hottest team. Helena currently leads the NAHL West Division in several statistical categories including: most goals, most power play goals, fewest power play goals against, most shots for and best shootout percentage, to name a few.
Despite these impressive numbers, Agrusa is cautious to applaud the effort. "There is a saying that you play for May, not for today. We -- as a team -- are playing fairly well, but our division is so tight that you can ill afford to take a night off."
Part of the reason for the Bighorns success lately has been the play of Bighorn's net minder, Chad Beiswenger. Beiswenger's numbers have been improving dramatically and he recently finished the past weekend with a .050 GAA with a .978 save percentage. He also stopped all three Bulls shooters in the recent shootout win on Saturday night. According to Bighorn president and associate coach Mike Butters, Beiswenger hasn't reached his full potential. "Beisy is in mid-season form, and he is finally getting the college attention he deserves, but I truly feel he is just playing up to his potential right now. He is a gifted student-athlete and I fully expect him to attend a good school next year."
Things don't come easy for any team in the NAHL West, as a mere five points separates first from fourth place. Although the Bighorns have amassed the 12-0-1 streak, they currently lead the second place Fargo-Moorhead Jets by only two points and the Jets have two games in hand.
The Bighorns will get a chance to extend their current streak this Saturday, as the surging Minnesota Blizzard head to Helena for a 7:05 p.m. game against the Big Blue. Tickets for the game can be reserved by calling the Bighorn Ticket Hotline at (406) 457-2817 or can be purchased at the Helena Ice Arena prior to the game.
Ebbole Joins Big Horns This Week: Defenseman Steve Ebbole, former captain of the Central Texas Marshals, is set to join the Bighorns after a three week sabbatical at home. Ebbole, a native of Chicago, Illinois, was acquired in a trade from the Marshals earlier this month for forward Nico Rodriguez.
According to Bighorn president, Mike Butters, since neither player reported and a report clause was not a condition of the trade, the Bighorns have agreed to throw in a 2005 third round draft pick to the Marshals if Rodriguez does not report and Ebbole finishes the season in Helena.
Ebbole said he needed time to regroup after being traded for the second time in four months. According to Butters, this sort of thing isn't uncommon. "Some players take trades the wrong way. Players often think that because you are traded, it means that their current team doesn't want them. It is usually the opposite. I explained to Steven it was a case of us really wanting him more. The proof in the pudding was that we gave up a really gifted player to get him. Once the reality of the trade set in, Ebbole thought it through and made the decision to give Helena a try."
"Trades are a part of life," explained Bighorn head coach, Brent Agrusa. "Most players will be traded at least once in their lifetime and I view it as a life lesson. Steven is a smart young man and we asked him to simply give our program a try."
Agrusa added, "It is hard to say you won't like it somewhere if you don't try it. Almost every young man that plays for our organization leaves us gaining some positive experiences."
Ebbole is joining a surging Bighorns team who have gone 12-0-1 in their last 13 games and the defense corps has been playing well, giving up a mere two goals in its last two games.
Ebbole will have four full days of practice with the 'Horns as they prepare to host the Minnesota Blizzard this Saturday at the Helena Ice Arena.
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North American Hockey League Stories from December 3, 2004
- Kearney's seven shutout periods earn share of Defensive Player of the Week - Soo Indians
- Bandits sweep holiday weekend with three wins - St. Louis Bandits
- Jr. Blues Cankar emerges as team leader - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Sellout crowds, more wins for Tornado - Texas Tornado
- Rollercoaster weekend for Wildcats - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Bighorns sweep weekend, set record - Helena Bighorns
- Halted game in Wahpeton coast Jets first place - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Enmark's hat trick leads Toledo past Youngstown - Alpena IceDiggers
- Phantoms hang tough in North Division despite 1-1-1 week - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Wildcats add renowned educational psychologist to staff - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Icedogs vs. Minnesota tonight, Billings tomorrow - Bozeman Icedogs
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