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Border Battle Resumes Friday

January 4, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Owatonna Express News Release

When the Great Iowa-Minnesota Border Battle resumes Friday in Mason City, the North Iowa Outlaws may not recognize the team that steamrolled them four straight times in early December. At the time, the Southern Minnesota Express were on a roll and they demonstrated their offensive superiority by a collective count of 28-8. Fast forward one month and the Express are in a tailspin, having lost five games in a row, including an embarassing 7-1 pasting Wednesday at the hands of the Bozeman Ice Dogs. Meanwhile, North Iowa has begun to play some respectable hockey again. The two teams meet at 7:45 p.m. Friday before resuming the battle Sunday at 5:05 p.m. in Owatonna.

Wednesday's performance was the most disappointing of the season for Southern Minnesota. It was Bozeman's only visit to Owatonna this season and the Express were eager to see how they matched up against the NAHL's number one team. Unfortunately, a series of first-period penalties dictated the outcome as the home team fell behind 3-0. The potent Bozeman powerplay, combined with a lackluster performance by goalie Nick Hopper and a dozen or so of his normally-dependable teammates, spelled doom for the Express. The win was Bozeman's 25th of the season versus just four losses and one overtime loss. The Icedogs have been beaten only once on the road and are running away with the NAHL's Western Division.

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2006

U.S. National Under-17 Team Earns Silver At The 2005 World Challenge - U.S. National Team
Border Battle Resumes Friday - Owatonna Express
NAHL Names Players of the Week - NAHL
Bobcats on winning streak - Bismarck Bobcats
NHL Center Ice To Broadcast U.S. National Under-17 Team Gold-Medal Game Tonight - U.S. National Team
Tornado Hockey Update - Texas Tornado

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