(Editor’s note: Report by Merrick Parnell, Northern Hockey News)
BOZEMAN — The Montana State Bobcats topped the Montana Tech Orediggers, 6-2 in their American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) home opener on Saturday.
Six different Bobcats would score in the contest, with Sam Coulter, Jacoby Warner, Jay Forbes, Luke Bing, Ross Hanson and Josiah Pilskalns finding the back of the net. Orion Herman and Hanson would notch two assists each.
“We had a bit of a slow start, but coach continued to stress that we needed to use our speed and wear down the opponent, so that’s exactly what we did,” said Herman. “Once we hit the third period, all four lines were firing on all cylinders, and we were able to throw a couple extra past Tech for the win. We executed our game plan to a T.”
First-year Montana Tech player and Butte native Robin Bagley would score his first career ACHA goal, and Brad Rutherford would net one for the Orediggers. The Bobcats would blast a total of 52 shots on the Montana Tech net while holding the Orediggers to just 13 shots. MSU assistant coach Brian Engh was thrilled with the win and the play of the defense.
“The defense was great (Saturday). Their gap control was outstanding. They didn’t give Tech any time with the puck in the neutral zone and never got backed into our own zone. They were also extremely physical (Saturday), which helped us to wear them down over three periods.” Engh said.
Goalie Patrick Healy would pick up his second win for the Bobcats, who improved to 3-0 in ACHA play. Montana State’s next games will be on the road against the University of Mary on Oct. 12 and 13. For more info check out www.msuhockey.com.
