(Photo credit gmarshall_photos)
It was Helena and Gillette’s first battle of the season, and the teams came out even with both a win and a loss for each.
Friday’s game was a physical one, with game ejections for both teams and an unsuccessful penalty shot for Helena. Despite ejections for Tyler Bloom and Camden Cunningham, the Bighorns stayed strong and came out with a 3-1 victory, including an empty net goal at the end of third by Harlan Wojtusik. Helena goalie Marek Andres saved 36 of the 37 shots against him, and goals for Helena were scored by Harlan Wojtusik (Dylan Cunningham, Garrett Bogan), Zach Turner (Tyler Alldredge, Camden Cunningham), and again by Harlan Wojtusik (TJ Norris).
Saturday’s game was a pretty even match between both teams for most of the night, with a goal for Gillette in the first period and a goal for Helena in the second period. The thought of overtime was on most of the fan’s minds, but with less than 5 minutes left in the third period, Gillette snuck one past goalie Marek Andres and won the game 2-1. Marek saved 36 of the 38 shots against him for the night, and the lone goal for Helena was scored by Lyndon Orr, assisted by Camden Cunningham and Padraic Whited.
Next weekend Helena will visit the Butte Cobras on Friday, December 9th, and will host the Butte Cobras at home on Saturday, December 10th. Saturday’s game is Helena’s annual Teddy Bear Toss night. Bring your teddy bears and once the first goal for Helena is scored, throw them onto the ice! All teddy bear and other toy donations will go to Toys For Tots. There will also be skate with the Bighorns after the game. It’s $5 to skate including a skate rental, proceeds go directly to the Helena Bighorns Booster Club. Get your tickets for Saturday’s game at Play It Again Sports- Helena, online at Tickets for Helena Bighorns vs Butte Cobras | vivenu, or at the door.