The Helena Bighorns of the North American Tier 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are performing well so far this season thanks to two former Airdrie hockey players.

Former Airdrie Lightning defenseman Nick Noel and his Novice teammate Josh Smith are currently playing with the Bighorns in Helena, Montana.

Smith said the biggest reason he joined the league was to help with his college aspirations.

"I actually have seven years of schooling because I want to take psychology, I want to get a doctorate. This league sends the most players to post-secondary schools with hockey scholarships. That was a big deciding factor for why I did want to come down here."

Noel also joined the Bighorns in the hopes of receiving a hockey scholarship and said he's enjoying the experience so far.

"Right off the bat, right in training camp, all of the boys, we bonded together. It's actually pretty crazy how well we got along together. It's a pretty cool experience especially being in a different country."

Smith echoed that sentimen, saying the fans in Helena have really embraced the team. He said having his old friend on the team has also made the experience enjoyable.

"I personally think this whole experience was made a lot easier and more enjoyable with having Nick with me instead of me having to go out on my own."

The Bighorns currently sit second in the Frontier Division of the NA3HL, with Noel registering 5 points so far.

Noel also says having Smith as a teammate again is great, especially being far from home.

"It's like no other honestly. I haven't seen him in a while and then the next two years, we're playing Juniors together. It's pretty cool, a pretty great experience."

 

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