The Alexandria Blizzard were firing on all cylinders against the Helena Bighorns, and when the final buzzer sounded Blizzard emerged with an 8-3 win.
Alexandria\’s penalty kill excelled, as the Blizzard gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.
Alexandria was led by Aaron Ryback, who had one goal. Ryback scored 6:08 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Alexandria. Tyler Sworsky assisted on the tally.
The Blizzard forced Helena goalie Grant Martens to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots. Alexandria outdid its season average for goals scored. The Blizzard average 4.0 goals per game. Alexandria was effective with a man advantage, and put in two goals while on the power play. The defensemen of the Blizzard were also effective in the Bighorns\’ zone, and came away with two goals.
Alexandria also got points from Sworsky, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Alexandria included Tyler Berginski and Gavin Mindt, who scored two goals each and Luke Pavelich and Nate Mettenburg, who each put in one. In addition, Alexandria received assists from Jody Randall, who had two, Matt Resch, who had three, and Tom Monteiro, Eric Hewitt, Bo Gronseth, and Tony Arias, who contributed one each.
Helena\’s defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. The Bighorns give up 2.5 goals per game.
Helena was led by Nick Trefry, who racked up one goal and one assist. Trefry scored on the power play 8:17 into the third period to make the score 7-3 Alexandria. An interference penalty on Sworsky had put the Bighorns on the power play. Matt Mohar provided the assist. Helena also had goals scored by Brandon Mills and Blake Babineau, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Helena were Cody Vanthournout, who had one.
Evan Bisek recorded 16 saves for Alexandria. The Blizzard incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Martens rejected 27 shots on goal for Helena. The Bighorns incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.
