The Bozeman Icedogs had trouble finding ways to stop the Helena Bighorns, which beat Icedogs, 8-1.

Helena was sparked by Christian Axelson, who tallied one goal and one assist. Axelson scored 6:46 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Helena. Wyatt Winfield assisted on the tally.

The Bighorns made Bozeman's netminders to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, taking 53 shots and forcing 45 saves. Jude Hall made 36 stops and John Shavic made nine. Helena stifled the Icedogs' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with three goals.

Helena additionally got points from Brandon Rumble, who also had one goal and one assist, Corbin Belling, who also registered one goal and one assist, and Nick Okada, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Helena also had goals scored by Jacob Wolter, who had two and Ben Henne and John Petersson, who scored one goal each. More assists for Helena came via Theo Campe, who had four, Devin Smith and Matt Mohar, who each chipped in one, and Damon Hanson and Dylan Webster, who contributed two a piece.

Bozeman found itself stymied offensively, and got off a mere six shots against the Bighorns' defense.

Bozeman also got a goal from Sean Shoemaker as well. In addition, Bozeman received assists from Trent Carter and Jason Henry, who each chipped in one.

Alek Lazarski recorded five saves for Helena. The Bighorns incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Icedogs incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.