‘Rivalry Renewed’ would be an overstatement at this point. Helena outshot Missoula 95-77; only 1 Powerplay goal between the two teams on 16 total PP opportunities; the goaltending from both teams was phenomenal, combining for a save percentage of 93%.

Despite dropping two straight to the Bruins, the Bighorns are, in fact, improving. A Penalty Kill percentage that hovered in the 50-60% range improves to 90%. Helena also averaged 52 shots allowed coming into this weekend, improving that statistic to just under 42.

Week by week, this young team gains more experience, and their play overall is improving. It will be a tough week in practice, however, as the team readies for its toughest opponent yet: the undefeated Yellowstone Quake (who are tied up at the top of the Frontier Division in win percentage with the Gillette Wild) after a weekend sweep of the Great Falls Americans.

Here is a look at the Division Standings after this weekend:

Great Falls Americans:  6 games played/4-1-1 for 9 points

Gillette Wild: 4 games played/4-0-0 for 8 Points

Yellowstone Quake: 4 games played/4-0-0 for 8 points

Missoula Jr Bruins: 5 games played/2-2-1 for 5 points

Helena Bighorns: 5 games played/2-2-1 for 5 points

Billings Bulls: 4 games played/2-2 for 4 points

Bozeman Icedogs: 4 games played/1-3 for 2 points

Glacier Nationals: 6 games played: 0-6 for 0 points

Helena’s next home game is Saturday, October 15th when the Glacier Nationals of Havre, MT come to town.