Billings Bighorns
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Billings Bighorns played in the WHL at MetraPark Arena. They relocated from Canada, where they were known as the Calgary Centennials, in 1977. They stayed in Billings for five years before returning to Canada in 1982 to become the Nanaimo Islanders.
In 1977-78, they finished only 32-31-9 but had a terrific playoff run. They finished second in the first round, which was a round robin, with a surprise 6-2 record. Next up was Medicine Hat who they would sweep in the second round. They then advanced to the Finals by going 3-1 in another round robin against New Westminster and Flin Flon. Unfortunately, they were swept in the Finals by New Westminster, although it was the franchise's finest playoff performance. Pat Conacher, a long-time pro, was a member of the 1978 playoff team.
The Bighorns improved their record to 38 and 37 victories the next two seasons, but they did not enjoy the same postseason success. The club eventually faltered, winning only 57 games in their final two seasons in Montana. Andy Moog and Randy Moller were two more Bighorns who made it to the bigtime.
In 1977-78, they finished only 32-31-9 but had a terrific playoff run. They finished second in the first round, which was a round robin, with a surprise 6-2 record. Next up was Medicine Hat who they would sweep in the second round. They then advanced to the Finals by going 3-1 in another round robin against New Westminster and Flin Flon. Unfortunately, they were swept in the Finals by New Westminster, although it was the franchise's finest playoff performance. Pat Conacher, a long-time pro, was a member of the 1978 playoff team.
The Bighorns improved their record to 38 and 37 victories the next two seasons, but they did not enjoy the same postseason success. The club eventually faltered, winning only 57 games in their final two seasons in Montana. Andy Moog and Randy Moller were two more Bighorns who made it to the bigtime.
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