Icedogs Bust Bighorns in Home Opener

The Bozeman Icedogs made a statement in their 2019-2020 season home opener after shutting out the Helena Bighorns 6-0 on Saturday night. The Bighorns came into the game as the defending Frontier Division Champions in the North American Three Hockey League (NA3HL.)

Five different Icedogs scored in the victory, with Will Kutch netting two. Luke Hartge, Christian Venaruzzo, Hazen McKay and Sam Bourdon also chipped in with a goal apiece. AJ Ruskowski had a huge showing in goal for Bozeman, stopping 37 of 37 shots.

The Icedogs came into Saturday night’s game after beating the Bighorns in Helena the night before by a score of 4-3. AJ Ruskowski would make 45 saves in the game, while Veneruzzo led the Icedogs offense with two goals.

“We had two good team wins this weekend, and our defensive core had two great games, lead by our veterans and younger players gaining confidence with every game,” said Ruskowski. “We really showed spurts of how good we can be this year, and it should be an exciting year in Bozeman.”

The Icedogs now hold a 7-0 record this season and sit atop the Frontier Division ahead of Gillette (6-1) and Great Falls (5-2.) The Icedogs will play the Yellowstone Quake next weekend in a home and home series with Friday night’s game in Bozeman.

Merrick Parnell contributed to this article.