It was Helena’s first home games of the season, and they kicked them off with an exciting weekend going toe to toe against the Gillette Wild and taking away two more hard fought wins.
Friday’s game had Helena in control most of the time, proving to Gillette their strength and determination during all three periods, and ending the game with a 5-1 victory. Goals for the Bighorns were scored by Ty Moore (Mason Eggen, Jack Lambert), Camden Cunningham (Dylan Cunningham, Jack Lambert), Finn Theriault (Mason Eggen, Garrett Bogan), Jack Lambert (Braden Cunningham, Garrett Bogan), and another by Ty Moore (Gavin Barr, Joe Feamster). Goalie Jesse Schindel kept the net almost empty, saving 24 of the 25 shots against him in net.
Saturday’s game started out with different vibe, and Gillette came out strong, scoring the first goal of the game in a short time. They followed that goal with three more, taking a 4-0 lead and making Helena a bit nervous. With a packed arena and over 1,300 fans on their toes, the Bighorns surprised Gillette with a couple of back-to-back goals by Ty Moore (Dylan Cunningham, Joe Feamster), and Trey Pajera (Mason Eggen, Tim Mattingly). The third period started out with Helena now trailing by only two goals, and they quickly tied it up and took the score to a 4-4 game, thanks to a couple more goals by Camden Cunningham (Gavin Barr, Braden Cunningham-2, Garrett Bogan). Gillette came back with a goal, making it 5-4, and Helena retaliated with another goal by Camden Cunningham (Dylan Cunningham, Garrett Bogan), to tie it up and take the game to overtime. Overtime was unsuccessful for both teams, taking the game to a shootout. Goalie Alex Lamont didn’t let any of Gillette’s shootout goals slide passed him, and Jack Lambert had the only successful goal for Helena, giving the Bighorns the win. Alex Lamont saved 17 of the 22 shots against him during the game.
The Bighorns will hit the road on Friday, October 6th to play the Butte Irish, and will welcome Butte to Helena with a home game on Saturday, October 7th.
(Photo by Gary Marshall Photos)