By Mike Opel
Nick Bradshaw and Luke Schleusner each netted a hat trick (3 goals) as the Cobras overwhelmed the Great Falls Americans 9-3 Saturday night at a raucous Butte Community Ice Center.
The Cobras drew first blood early with opening period goals from Bradshaw and Schleusner and never looked back going wire to wire for just the second time this season. “Playing with the lead allows us to play a more aggressive style as opposed to trying to come from behind” said Coach Kirk Golden. ” Getting a good start is something we’ve emphisized”.
The second period saw the Cobras make it 3-0 on Nick Bradshaw’s second goal of the game before Great Falls got on the board. Luke Schleusner got his second goal of the game to make it 4-1. Cade Wessman and Patrick Crooks added goals to stretch the lead to 6-2 after 2 periods of play.
Casey Otis got his first career goal for the Cobras to lead off the 3rd period and then it was Bradshaw and Schleusner getting their hatties to put the finishing touches on the game.
The third place Cobras (4-3) will take to the ice Saturday night to host the Bozeman IceDogs (2-5) at the Butte Community Ice Center. Game time is at 7:30. The Cobras will then embark on a 4 game road trip before retuning home to face the Yellowstone Quake November 4th and 5th.
