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Nationals home to face Bulls

The Glacier Nationals got their first win of the season, and their first-ever win as a Havre franchise last Saturday night when they beat the Yellowstone Quake in a shootout. Now, the Nationals are ready to put together a winning streak.

In what will be their final home game until November, the Nationals (1-4-0) will take on the Billings Bulls Friday night at the Havre Ice Dome. The puck drops on the Frontier Division game at 8 p.m.

Glacier is riding high following last Saturday night’s dramatic game against the Quake. After skating to a 1-1 draw through overtime, the Nationals dominated the shootout period, making three shots, while goalie Nolan Slager saved four shots by the Quake. It was a historic won for the Nationals, and one that will be remembered for a long time.

Now, however, the Nationals will put last Saturday’s game behind them and concentrate on the Bulls, who come to Havre with a 2-3 record, but also with a potent offensive attack. Forward T.J. Theodosopoulos has a league-leading seven points this season, including two goals, while winger Tristan Henrichs has found the net five times and has six points for what is a powerful Billings first line. Between the pipes, Billings uses two goalies, with Cole Demchak having stopped 92 percent of the shots on goal against him so far this season. Ray Smith has made two starts for the Bulls in goal.

Goalie is also becoming a strong point for the Nationals. In three starts, Slager has come up big, stopping 91 percent of the shots against him. Ryan Lund has also played well, and has made four starts this season.

But despite the dramatic win last Saturday, Glacier continues to struggle on the offensive end. The Nationals are still in the minus when it comes to goal differential, while Sam Sheehan and Karson Frisk lead the way with two goals each on the season. Sheehan and Wyatt Fretheim are tied for the team lead with six points each.

Still, new Glacier head coach Jeff Heimel is excited about how the Nationals fought in last weekend’s win, and noted after the game that the team is building some momentum on the offensive end, while playing very good defense.

Friday night’s game between the Nationals and the Billings Bulls is set for 8 p.m. at the Havre Ice Dome. The Nationals will then head out for a five-game road trip before returning home to face the Bulls again Nov. 1.

 

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