Billings Bighorns
The Billings Bighorns played in the WHL during the late 70s and early 80s at MetraPark Arena. They moved across the border from Canada in 1977, where they had been the Calgary Centennials. They spent five years in Billings, and would jump back to Canada in 1982 to become the Nanaimo Islanders.Â
In 1977-78, they would go only 32-31-9 but had a great run in the playoffs. In the first round, which was a round robin, they finished second with a surprising 6-2 record. They would sweep Medicine Hat in the second round. Then, in another round robin, they went 3-1 against New Westminster and Flin Flon to advance to the Finals. Unfortunately, they would get swept by New Westminster in the Finals, but it was the franchise's best playoff run. Long-time pro Pat Conacher was a part of the '78 playoff team.Â
The Bighorns would improve their record to 38 and 37 wins each of the next two seasons but wouldn't have quite the same playoff success. The team then floundered a bit, recording only 57 wins combined in their final two seasons in Montana. Other Bighorns that made the big time were Andy Moog and Randy Moller.Â
